Lack of appetite in cancer patients

Lack of appetite is a common problem in cancer patients and can significantly affect their quality of life. This condition, known as anorexia, can lead to weight loss, weakness and a decreased ability to tolerate medical treatments.

Why is lack of appetite common in cancer patients?

Cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can affect appetite in several ways:

• Metabolic changes: cancer can alter the body’s metabolism, affecting the way food is processed and energy is generated.
• Physical changes: tumors can compress or obstruct the intestine, making it difficult to eat.
• Side effects of treatment: nausea, fatigue, changes in taste and other side effects of cancer treatment can reduce the desire to eat.
• Emotional factors: stress, anxiety and depression are common in cancer patients and can contribute to loss of appetite.

 

Consequences of lack of appetite in cancer patients

Lack of appetite can have several negative consequences for the patient’s general health:

• Weight and muscle mass loss: lack of nutrients can lead to weight and muscle mass loss, weakening the patient.
• Weakening of the immune system: inadequate nutrition can affect the body’s ability to fight infections.
• Low blood protein levels favor the appearance of edema, for example in the ankles, as well as edema in body tissues such as the intestinal wall, causing difficulty in intestinal motility.
• Difficulty tolerating medical treatments: Weakness and malnutrition can make it more difficult for patients to tolerate cancer treatments.

 

How to manage lack of appetite in cancer patients

It is crucial to identify and treat this symptom in time to avoid major complications:

Practical nutritional strategies

• Eat small but frequent portions: this can help increase food intake without overwhelming the patient.
• Prioritize nutrient- and calorie-rich foods: smoothies, purees, and other nutrient-dense foods can be beneficial.
• Incorporate pleasant and easy-to-digest foods: choosing foods that the patient enjoys and that are easy to digest can improve intake.
• Use of nutritional supplements: under medical supervision, supplements can help meet nutritional needs.

Medical treatments to stimulate appetite

• Medication: corticosteroids, prokinetics and progestins can help increase appetite.
• Consultation with the medical or surgical oncologist: it is important to talk to the oncologist responsible for your treatment before making any decisions about medication.

Managing side effects that affect appetite

• Antinausea medication: This can help to reduce nausea, favoring the emptying of the stomach and improving appetite.
• Mouthwashes: These can improve the taste of food and make eating more enjoyable.
• Relaxation techniques: Reducing stress can have a positive impact on appetite.
• Emotional and psychological support to improve appetite.

The patient’s emotional state is closely related to their appetite. Psychological support, both individual and group, can be crucial in coping with cancer-related stress and anxiety. Participating in support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding.

 

The role of caregivers in patient nutrition

Caregivers play a vital role in patient nutrition:

• Meal planning: helping to plan appealing meals for the patient can improve their intake.
• Empathy and patience: it is important to be empathetic and not to pressure the patient to eat.
• Involve the patient: allowing the patient to choose their food can increase their interest in eating.

 

Nutritional prehabilitation in cancer patients

Statistics show that between 25% and 40% of newly diagnosed patients and up to 80% of patients with advanced diagnosis suffer from malnutrition.

For this reason, at IVOQA we are committed to nutritional prehabilitation, a preventive and proactive approach that focuses on improving the nutritional status of patients diagnosed with cancer before starting cancer treatment.

• Nutritional screening: the first step in nutritional prehabilitation is to identify patients at risk of malnutrition through a series of tests. Patients with a loss of 5% of body weight or more than 2% of muscle mass need a complete nutritional assessment.
• Complete nutritional assessment: this includes measuring weight, height, body mass index, and assessing functionality and fragility. Validated scales are used to determine nutritional requirements and a complete analysis is carried out to adjust the energy intake and vitamin supplements needed. With this data, personalized diets are designed and specific supplements are administered.
• Nutritional supplementation: protein supplements to achieve at least 1.5-2 mg/kg of daily protein intake, as well as immunomodulatory supplements, are of great help to patients.
• Enteral or parenteral nutrition formulas: in cases of severe malnutrition, the help of enteral or parenteral nutrition formulas may be required.
• Physical exercise: this is essential in nutritional prehabilitation, as it helps to maintain muscle mass, improves the patient’s functionality and mood, and reduces the incidence of depression and anxiety. In cases of colon and breast cancer, exercise has been shown to reduce recurrence and improve survival.

Loss of appetite in cancer patients is a significant challenge, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible to manage this symptom, slow down weight loss and improve the patient’s quality of life.