Weight Loss From Cancer

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, approximately 40 percent of cancer patients report unexplained weight loss at the time of diagnosis, and up to 80 percent of late stage cancer patients lose weight. The side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments can often contribute to a loss of appetite. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) says it's important to maintain a nutritious diet during and after cancer therapy.

Effects

The NCI says side effects brought on by cancer treatment can make it difficult to eat and make patients prone to weight loss. These side effects may include difficulty swallowing and mouth sores.

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, as well as changes in taste and smell due to cancer treatments, can make food unappealing.

Other possible side effects include depression and anxiety.

Protein & Calorie Deficiences

The NCI says the biggest nutritional issues most cancer patients face are inadequate amounts of protein (amino acids including enzymes and antibodies) and too few calories.

Sufficient caloric intake and protein levels are necessary for energy and to help the body fight infection and properly heal.

The American Cancer Society says good sources of protein include lean meat, fish, poultry, nuts dairy products and soy foods.

Malnutrition

The key nutrients that make certain cancer patients are getting an adequate diet to help build strength and feel as good as is possible include proteins, vitamins, minerals, water and carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).

A lack of these nutrients can cause cancer patients to feel tired, weak and less able to tolerate cancer treatments.

Anorexia & Cachexia

Anorexia (the loss of appetite or desire to eat) is the most common cause of malnutrition in cancer patients. It can develop at any point during the course of the disease.

A wasting syndrome known as cachexia (causes general weakness and loss of weight, fat and muscle) is another frequent cause of malnutrition. Cachexia is most apt in patients who suffer from breast, lung or pancreatic cancers.

Treatment

The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends cancer patients increase their daily food intake by 450 calories.

You may want to discuss with your doctor the possibility of receiving nourishment through a tube that is inserted into your stomach.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a progesterone hormone (Megestrol acetate/Megace) that can help maintain appetite, weight and provide an overall feeling of well-being.

Dietary Considerations

Dietary guidelines for cancer patients are intended to help the patient handle the effects of the disease and its treatment. Nutritional therapy can help cancer patients get adequate nourishment to maintain a healthy body weight, build strength, prevent the breakdown of body tissue and ward off infection.

The ACS suggests trying to eat six daily servings of fruits and vegetables and a generous amount of whole grain breads and cereals. Baking or broiling foods will reduce the amount of fat in your meals.