Overview

Loss of appetite or anorexia is a lack of desire to eat food. It is commonly observed in cancer patients. Loss of appetite can occur due to cancer disease or cancer treatment. Some of the common cancers that affect appetite are stomach cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy that is targeted on the stomach and intestine causes loss of appetite. Any problem in the gastrointestinal tract causes a lack of desire to eat.

If loss of appetite is ignored it can cause weight loss and waste of muscles. All these together may affect the already compromised immune system in cancer patients. Drastic weight loss may affect the treatment plan or even delay the treatment required.

Loss of appetite may also occur as side effects such as mouth sores, problems in swallowing and chewing foods.

Reasons for loss of appetite in cancer patients

There are various factors related to cancer that affects the appetite. Cancer causes loss of appetite due to the following reasons –

• The presence of tumors in and around the gastrointestinal tract disrupts the food intake and causes the problem in swallowing.
• A certain tumor affects the way the brain recognizes hunger.
• Other side effects of cancer and cancer treatment such as depression, dehydration, pain, nausea, etc affect the appetite.

Apart from cancer, other health issues also cause loss of appetite. Loss of appetite is temporary if the cause is undergoing treatment. Whereas the problem lasts long if other factors are involved.

Ways to manage the loss of appetite in cancer patients

• Consume small portion of nutritious meals in frequent intervals
• Avoid eating oily foods and foods that cause gas and constipation
• Avoid eating alone instead eat with friends and family members
• Use large size meal plate or meal bowl
• Chemotherapy may cause loss of sense of taste, in such a situation one must try a different type of foods
• If you have a dry mouth consume a lot of fluids in a day. Avoid using alcohol-based toothpaste and mouthwash to prevent further dryness of the mouth
• Loss of appetite due to mouth sores can be managed with certain medicines
• Stick to some mild exercise after consultation with doctors
• Certain medicines can help treat loss of appetite 

When should cancer patients see a doctor for loss of appetite?

Cancer patients suffering from loss of appetite must visit a doctor if the following symptoms are present –

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Weight loss
• Pain in abdomen
• Mouth sores
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• No improvement in appetite after taking prescribed medication

Your oncologist may refer you to a nutritionist to improve the appetite and increase the amount calorie intake. Unlike nutrition required for normal people, cancer patients require a balanced nutritious diet.

About Mozocare

Mozocare is a medical access platform for hospitals and clinics to assist patients to access the best medical care at affordable prices. It offers medical information, medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, laboratory consumables, and other allied services.

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