Why Does Cancer Cause Weight Loss? A Closer Look
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Why Does Cancer Cause Weight Loss?
Weight loss is one of the most common and concerning side effects of cancer. Many different cancers can cause this symptom, such as lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, and breast cancer. This article will explore why cancer causes weight loss, its risks and potential treatments.
The exact reason why cancer causes weight loss is still being researched. However, it is thought to be due in part to a combination of factors such as chemotherapy treatments that can make food taste bad; a decrease in appetite due to certain medications or hormonal changes; increased metabolic rate caused by the tumor; and an overall difficulty in meeting nutrition needs because the body’s digestion process has been impaired. Generally speaking, when a person loses more calories than they take in—this is known as “negative calorie balance”—they will eventually start to lose weight.
There are several potential risks associated with weight loss due to cancer. These include a weakened immune system which can make chemotherapy treatments less effective, developing other health complications that are linked with malnutrition such as anemia or osteoporosis, feeling weak or fatigued during everyday activities, and depression from the physical appearance change.
Fortunately, there are several treatments available for those dealing with cancer-related weight loss. A doctor may suggest changes in diet timing or switching up types of foods eaten to help increase appetite or at least maintain current weight levels. Supplements may also be beneficial—check with your doctor before taking any additional vitamins or minerals—as well as prescribing medications specifically designed for dealing with this type of weight loss. Exercise is important for maintaining bone density but should also be discussed with your medical team prior to starting any new regimen.
Overall, it is important to remember that while weight loss associated with cancer can be concerning it does not necessarily mean you have a poor prognosis if treated correctly and monitored closely by your medical team throughout the course of treatment and recovery. In other words, don’t be discouraged if you find yourself losing more pounds than expected while undergoing chemo: It doesn’t mean you won’t win this fight!
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