In the vast ocean of medicine, cancer has always been an awe-inspiring subject. This disease not only poses a great physical challenge, but also places a heavy burden on patients and their families psychologically. Of particular concern is the fact that cancer patients are often accompanied by a symptom that is difficult to ignore – significant weight loss. This phenomenon, commonly known as "wasting", is not only a common sign of cancer, but also a major concern for patients and their families. Why do people with cancer gradually lose weight, as if the oil of life is slowly running out?
Cancer and metabolic abnormalities
Cancer, the word itself, carries a lot of uncertainty and complexity. It is not just a disordered growth of cells, but a systemic process, one of which is manifested by profound changes in metabolism. When cancer invades the body, it requires far more energy and nutrients than normal cells. This phenomenon is known as "accelerated tumor metabolism", in which cancer cells preferentially undergo glycolysis to meet their needs for rapid growth by accelerating the glycolysis process, even with adequate oxygen supply. This metabolic alteration, which not only consumes large amounts of sugars, but also involves the metabolism of fats and proteins, leading to the depletion of nutrients throughout the body.
In addition, certain substances secreted by cancer cells, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL), etc., can also interfere with normal metabolic processes. They can reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure, which can exacerbate weight loss. This extreme weight loss and loss of muscle mass due to cancer is known as cancer wasting (Cachexia), a complex syndrome that can be explained beyond simple loss of appetite or malnutrition.
Tumor factors and weight loss
The growth of cancer is not only limited to the tumor cells themselves, it also directly and indirectly affects the overall condition of the body in a variety of ways. One of the significant effects is the oppression and invasion of the digestive system. For example, cancers of the digestive system such as pancreatic and stomach cancers can directly affect food intake and digestion, leading to poor nutrient absorption. At the same time, the growth of the tumor can lead to symptoms such as chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, etc., which can significantly affect the patient's appetite and how much they eat.
Tumors can also affect the body's ability to utilize nutrients. In the process of robbing the cancer cells of nutrients, they cause a "nutrient hijacking" to the rest of the body. This hijacking is not limited to energy sources but also includes micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. As a result, even if cancer patients do not have a significant reduction in their food intake, their nutritional status may deteriorate rapidly.
Cancer treatment and weight change
Cancer treatment itself is also an important factor in weight loss. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy, both commonly used in cancer treatment, can cause side effects such as mouth sores and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, which can severely affect appetite and food intake. In addition, these treatments can also cause changes in taste, making food unacceptable.
The psychological stress during cancer treatment should not be ignored either. Mood problems such as anxiety and depression are common in cancer patients, and these emotional states can further reduce appetite and exacerbate weight loss. Therefore, nutritional management during cancer treatment is not only a physical issue, but also a psychological and emotional issue.
Coping measures and nutritional support
In the face of cancer-induced weight loss, aggressive nutritional interventions are essential. An individualized nutrition plan should be tailored to the patient's specific condition and include a high-energy, high-protein diet and, if necessary, nutritional supplements to provide additional nutritional support. In some cases, such as when people with advanced cancer are unable to eat properly, enteral or parenteral nutrition may be needed.
In addition to nutritional support, psychological and social support is equally important. Psychological counseling and social support networks can help patients deal with the emotional distress associated with cancer treatment, which can improve their overall quality of life. Ultimately, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment plan that combines medical, nutritional, and psychological support is key to helping cancer patients cope with weight loss and improve their quality of life.