Weight loss
Weight loss is a common symptom with many cancers. It is often an alarm symptom for cancer and the presence of weight loss helps physicians to diagnose the disease. At the same time, weight loss may reduce the patient’s physical well-being and tolerance to treatment. Its effect should not be underestimated and for the well being of the patient should be specifically addressed.
In cancer, weight loss can occur in each phase of the disease, depending on the tumour type, location and stage: you may observe weight loss at diagnosis, before the therapy and after primary therapy. Weight loss that occurs with cancer differs from the one resulting from a diet to intentionally lose weight. Certain tumours cause chemical changes in the body, these chemical changes in the body can lead to loss of muscle and fat, loss of appetite and, consequently, to weight loss.
A good nutritional state may help you to cope better with your cancer journey, so keeping your weight steady or building yourself up is important.
Monitoring nutritional status by checking weight and dietary intake and taking early action if necessary is a vital part of cancer treatment and, for this, cooperation between the healthcare professional including the surgeon, the oncologist, the nurse and the Dietitian plays a crucial role. However, increasing calorie intake alone is not sufficient to increase body weight and address nutritional deficits: nutritional risks should be appropriately managed through specific supplementation and advice.
Source: Nutrizioneoncologia.it
