To put this into perspective: If you weigh pounds, 5 percent of your body weight is 8 pounds. According to the American Cancer Society, an unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more could be the first sign of cancer.
The types of cancer often identified with this type of weight loss include cancers of the:. According to Cancer Research UK :. Cancer treatments can also lead to weight loss. Radiation and chemotherapy commonly cause a decrease in appetite. Weight loss can also be attributable to radiation and chemotherapy side effects that discourage eating, such as:. Unintentional weight loss, according to the NHS, can be attributed to a number of causes other than cancer including:. Depending on your specific situation, your doctor might recommend curbing weight loss with medication such as:.
Some cancer patients who have difficulty swallowing or chewing are given intravenous IV nutrient therapy. People with esophageal or head and neck cancers often have difficulties eating or drinking. Rapid, unexplained weight loss may an indication of cancer.
The amount of weight lost matters. Losing a few pounds is not usually a concern, but a loss of 10 pounds or more without knowing why, may be a red flag. According to the American Cancer Society , significant weight loss happens most often with cancers that affect the stomach, pancreas, esophagus and lung.
Several factors can contribute to cancer-related weight loss. Cancer cells demand more energy than healthy cells, so your body may burn more calories at rest than it normally would. The cells also release substances that affect how your body uses calories from food, which also can contribute to weight loss.
As your body tries to defend itself against cancer, the immune system produces substances called cytokines that increase inflammation. For people with cancer, other causes are:. Some people may lose weight despite eating normally. This is called cachexia. With cachexia, your body may not be absorbing all the fat, protein and carbohydrate from the food you eat. And you may be burning up calories faster than normal. People with cachexia lose muscle and often fat too.
Scientists think that cancer releases chemicals into the blood. The chemicals contribute to the loss of fat and muscle. Continuous weight loss can be worrying and a constant reminder of your illness. Many of the recommendations for breast cancer patients include a reduced-calorie diet much like those suggested for patients after cancer treatment has been completed.
Some people find it helps their nausea to have something in their stomachs, so they eat more. If you have any questions, talk to your cancer care team about the best diet for you.
People with certain kinds of cancer might have swelling in the abdomen belly that causes weight gain.
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