Weight loss and cancer

Weight loss of cancer is a major problem in our daily practice to weight loss and cancer. Half of cancer patients are faced with significant weight loss . The type of weight loss associated with cancer which I speak is known as cachexia in weight loss is involuntary , debilitating and associated with muscle atrophy. This has a great impact on quality of life, and nearly 20 % of cancer deaths are attributable to weight loss and not directly to weight loss and cancer ..

The meaning of the words (weight loss and cancer) :

Anorexia : Loss of appetite or reduced desire to eat . Anorexia is present in 15 percent to 25 percent of all cancer patients at diagnosis .

Cachexia : The result is considered a significant weight loss , muscle atrophy and general weakness .

Most cancer patients have both anorexia and cachexia. There are some who have a big appetite weight loss and cancer, but continue to lose weight. Some of my patients tell me .. " But doc .. I do not understand , I eat well , but still lose weight ... " . The reason is simple, these patients are simply burning more calories than you are able to replace food weight loss and cancer.

Why is it important to recognize and take action when you see the weight loss in patients with weight loss and cancer?

Patients who fail to lose weight, feel better, have a better quality of life, improve immunity, reduce the risk of infection weight loss and cancer, keep your energy and strength so they can better tolerate treatment and a greater ability to recover and heal quickly.

The reasons for weight loss in cancer :

1 . Transmission nutrients to cancer cells and outward from the normal tissues and organs weight loss and cancer. It is very similar to a parasite in the body that eats all the food you take in.

Two . Cancers secrete chemicals weight loss and cancer, greatly reduced production and increased protein degradation . Muscle atrophy and weight loss is the inevitable result.

Three . Treatment side effects mouth ulcers , dry mouth , difficulty swallowing , nausea , weight loss and cancer vomiting , diarrhea, constipation, pain, depression and anxiety. Anticancer drugs can cause patients to different foods taste and smell weight loss and cancer.

April. Direct result of cancer : cancer of the mouth , esophagus and stomach can cause physical pain and obstruction that causes patients are not able to eat and swallow food from malnutrition.

How to recognize the weight loss associated with weight loss and cancer ?

Many times this is very obvious and is verbalized by the patient. However, the first signs of this can be found when patients lose more than 5% of their body weight during the 6 months preceding involuntarily weight loss and cancer.

Treatment of weight loss associated with cancer :

A. treatment of side effects of aggressive treatment weight loss and cancer. Conditions such as mouth sores , dry mouth , etc. with drugs .

B. The treatment of cancer outcomes in the treatment of cancer , such as chemotherapy , radiotherapy and surgery. The placement of a feeding tube in the stomach is used for patients who have difficulty swallowing food and physical problems for weight loss and cancer.

C. The treatment of anorexia and cachexia with :

1 . Megace Megestrol in solution is known to increase muscle mass in patients with weight loss and cancer.

Two . Dronabinol and Marinol are FDA-approved forms of marijuana that can help stimulate appetite.

Three . Steroids such as dexamethasone.

April. Fish oil . Numerous studies have reported the benefits of fish oil supplements. Recent studies have demonstrated beneficial effects for correct weight loss and anorexia in cancer treatment .

In summary, weight loss in cancer patients is a situation that is not recognized and treated by patients and their caregivers correctly. My argument is that , faced with this aggressive behavior can have a big impact on the lives of our patients. Not only can you improve your quality of life in general, but may also achieve better cure rates,weight loss and cancer since these patients may be able to tolerate more aggressive treatment.