Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite or poor appetite is one of the most common problems that occur with cancer and its treatment. No one knows exactly what causes loss of appetite: it may be caused by the cancer itself or by the treatments. Emotions such as fear or depression can also reduce a person’s appetite. Sometimes it is the side effects of treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, or changes in food’s taste or smell, that make a person feel like not eating. If you experience loss of appetite due to cancer or cancer treatment, seek advice from your doctor or nurse to get this cancer side effect under better control. For some people, loss of appetite happens for just a day or two; for others, it’s an ongoing concern. Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss and undernutrition, this may reduce the patient's physical well-being and tolerance of some treatments. Patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers, stomach, pancreatic or oesophageal cancer are at high risk of undernutrition. The cancer itself, poor diet before diagnosis and complications from surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can all lead to nutritional shortfalls. Patients can lose the desire to eat due to nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing, sores in the mouth, or dry mouth. When eating causes discomfort or pain, the patient's quality of life and nutritional well-being suffer. If you experience loss of appetite and weight loss you may enrich your diet through adapting the foods you eat and drink and by using nutritional supplements or sip feeds that can boost your energy and protein intake.

Source: National Cancer Institute