LOSS OF APPETITE/LOSS OF WEIGHT – INTRODUCTION

These two often go hand-in-hand, so I have put them under the e heading. Loss of appetite, with or without some nausea and/or change in how things taste is quite common in people with cancer. Often these symptoms are due to treatment rather than to the cancer itself, because both chemotherapy and radiotherapy can produce loss of appetite and weight. Of course, cancer itself can also cause loss of appetite and weight, especially when it is in the stomach area, liver or pancreas. However, it by no means always does so—loss of weight is not something that happens to everybody with extensive cancer. Some people never lose weight — not even in the final stages.

If your appetite is poor and/or some things now taste unpleasant, try to work out what tastes do appeal to you now and plan your diet accordingly. Don’t force yourself to eat certain foods that you now find unpleasant just because you believe they are ‘good for you’. Look for a more appealing alternative— for example, if you find meat distasteful, you may be able to get the protein you need from nuts, seeds, beans, dairy products and eggs.

*190/40/1*

Related Posts:

• TREATMENT OF SYMPTOMS – SPECIALISED TREATMENT
• BREAST DISORDERS: CYSTS, FIBROADENOMA