Uncontrolled weight loss can be a signal that something disturbing is happening in the body. It is also believed that losing weight may be a symptom of cancer development. Do all cancers actually lead to the destruction of the system? How should we eat during cancer therapy to maintain the current weight?

There is a common misconception in the public consciousness that diagnosing any cancer is tantamount to significant weight loss. The reality, however, turns out to be much more complex. Very oftenneoplastic disease may be practically asymptomatic for many years . However, some cancers will progress very quickly, with side effects accompanying them.

Weight loss is often not the direct result of the cancer itself, but an invasive treatment process. It is estimated that30 to 70% of cancer patients lose weight during treatment , but how much or at all is often an individual property of the organism.

Which cancers cause weight loss the most?

Gradual weight loss and progressive destruction of the body is referred to by medics as cachexia (Greek kakos - bad, hexis - state). This phenomenon is associated with a decrease in the total body fat and lean mass, but also with a decrease in muscle mass and anemia.

This problem is more common among patients suffering from certain, specific types of cancer. The most common are:

  • pancreatic cancer (nearly 95% of patients),
  • cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, e.g. esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer (approx. 70-90%),
  • lung cancer (60-80%),
  • head and neck cancers (50-80%).

One of the main reasons for the emergence of disturbances in the eating process is the development of a neoplastic tumor directly in the organs related to digestion or nutrient absorption.

Patients with gastrointestinal neoplasms often complain of gastric ailments, diarrhea or pain in the abdominal area.

As a result, these patients eat little and are reluctant to eat, sometimes refusing to eat at all for fear of even more suffering.

Tumors located near the head, although not necessarily directlyimpair absorption or digestion, in many cases manifest themselves with severe pain. They can effectively suppress the appetite and discourage the patient from taking care of a proper diet.

Losing weight and metabolic disorders related to the neoplastic process

Neoplastic cells that build tumors, in order to divide effectively and adapt to the surrounding environment, can modify not only their own metabolism, but also the host's metabolism.

Their secreted substances and protein factors will cause chronic inflammation, as well as disorders of protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

The most important of them include:

  • tumor necrosis factor(TNF) - cytotoxic to cells, reduces fat production and stimulates the process of protein breakdown in muscle tissue (proteolysis),
  • lipolysis inducing factors(LMFs - lipid mobilizing factors) - act on the breakdown of adipose tissue and the release of free fatty acids,
  • proteolysis inducing factors(PMFs - protein mobilizing factors) - lead to the breakdown of proteins, mainly from striated muscles
  • various cytokines , e.g. interleukin 1 (IL-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) - are pro-inflammatory and alter immune system responses.

In addition, many solid tumors, along with the enlargement of their size and the associated hypoxia, obtain energy through anaerobic glucose combustion. Compared to oxygen metabolism, this process is very ineffective, therefore cancer cells need a lot of glucose as a specific “fuel” to divide.

Its part is taken from the liver stocks, but also synthesized from other compounds such as lactate, glycerol and amino acids.

A large body of scientific research indicates that some cancers can lower the body's ability to take up glucose in normal cells.

As a result, more glucose remains for the cancer cells. All these mechanisms are indirectly responsible, already at the cellular level, for the gradual loss of the patient's weight and the occurrence of cachexia.

Influence of the psyche on losing weight during cancer

Interestingly, many patients lose weight only after receiving a final diagnosis of cancer. Why is this happening?

An equally important cause of weight loss may be worsening depression. It is estimated that approximately 20 to 40% of cancer patients suffer from depressive syndromes manifested, inter alia, by apathy, dysgeusia and lack of appetite.Pain may increase difficulties with swallowing food.

Some patients with severe depression (aggravated, for example, when cancer relapses) may refuse to eat completely.

Unfortunately, improper nutrition drastically weakens the patient, causing not only weight loss, but also a decrease in strength and immunity. They are essential during long-term and debilitating cancer therapy.

Therefore, it is extremely important not only to support the patient during the entire therapeutic period, but also to properly adjust the diet.

Losing weight and cancer therapy

Although a well-chosen anti-cancer therapy can effectively destroy cancer cells, its toxicity often causes many troublesome side effects and additionally destroys the human body.

It is estimated thatabout the occurrence of vomiting and nausea is reported by nearly half of cancer patients undergoing treatment . In addition to the obvious discomfort and exhaustion of the patient, the side effects of chemotherapy cause dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, anorexia and even aspiration pneumonia.

Unfortunately, most of the cytostatics used today, both of natural and synthetic origin, are associated with the potential risk of the symptoms described, and with prolonged use, severe catechesis.

In some cases, especially in sensitive patients, worsening gastric problems may be a reason for treatment discontinuation or chemotherapy discontinuation.

Popular medications associated with a high risk of vomiting, nausea or diarrhea include:

  • doxorubicin,
  • tamoxifen,
  • paclitakcel,
  • 5-fluorouracil,
  • cisplatin.

Currently, when administering chemotherapeutic agents with proven emetic effect, mandatory antiemetic drugs are also introduced, which usually allow you to overcome unpleasant symptoms.

Weight loss can also be a side effect of radiation therapy. Nausea and vomiting are relatively common during irradiation of the epigastric area. However, much less often with irradiation of the chest, head, neck and limbs.

Nutrition in cancer disease

A properly selected diet of cancer patients is one of the very important elements of the entire therapy. Its main goal is to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy and stimulate the immune system to fight the disease.

Tumor growth is a body-wide process and an effectongoing inflammation and increased work of immune cells in a fight with an intruder is a natural increase in energy demand.

Thereforein cancer patients the caloric requirement may be about 20% higher than in a he althy person .

In practice, with an average daily requirement of an adult organism of about 2000 - 2200 kcal, this translates into a surplus of about 400 to 500 kcal compared to the state before the disease.

Dietary norms indicate that the daily caloric intake should then be:

  • from 25 - 35 kcal per kilogram of body weight
  • 35 - 45 kcal per kilogram of ideal body weight in more debilitated patients with long-term treatment.

The due weight (N bw) is calculated according to the formula:N bw=height [cm] - 100

Insufficient consumption of food in relation to the body's needs will result in the development of malnutrition and weight loss, and in the long run, cachexia.

Calculate your BMI

What should be the characteristics of meals in a cancer patient's diet?

In order to prevent a decrease in the patient's weight, the menu should first of all pay attention to:

  • High protein content- an intensely working patient needs large amounts of protein to rebuild damage, maintain muscle function and stimulate the immune system properly. The proportion of protein in the diet should be around 20%, it is important that it be part of each meal. The best sources are lean meats, fish, eggs, and lean dairy products.
  • Limiting simple sugars- while the energy supply from carbohydrates should reach 35-50%, during cancer it is very important to limit simple carbohydrates - typical sweets, snacks, excess fruit . Remember that cancer cells derive their energy from glucose, therefore a too "sweet" diet may reduce the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
  • Use of high-quality fats- the consumption of fats should be between 30 and 50% of the energy requirement. Their main source should be vegetable oils and fish (rich in valuable omega-3 fatty acids).

In order to maintain the weight of a patient facing cancer, avoid fried foods and typical junk food so as not to unnecessarily burden the digestive system.

Special preparations, the so-calledfood specialmedical purpose .

They have the form of tasty, liquid cocktails. Not only do they help to fully cover the caloric needs of the patient, but also often contain protein, vitamins and minerals concentrated in a small volume.

  • Sudden weight loss - as a result of losing weight [TEST]
  • Diet in cancer

Category:

Oncology