Weight loss due to cancer: What causes it?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by MSc Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
For many people, unexplained weight loss can be a warning sign of cancer. Approximately 40% of people report unexplained weight loss when they are first diagnosed with cancer, and about 80% of people with advanced cancer experience weight loss and emaciation.

1. Rapid unexplained weight loss

According to the American Cancer Society, unexplained weight loss of 10 kg or more can be the first sign of cancer. Types of cancer commonly identified with this type of weight loss include:
Pancreatic cancer; Stomach cancer ; Lung cancer . According to Cancer Research UK, around 60% of people with lung cancer have lost a significant amount of weight by the time they are diagnosed.

2. Causes of weight loss due to cancer

Cancer treatments can also lead to weight loss. According to experts, unintentional weight loss can be caused by a number of causes other than cancer, including:
Stress from an event such as a divorce, a change of job or the death of a friend or family members Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia Excess thyroid Infections such as tuberculosis, gastroenteritis, HIV/AIDS Depression Gastroduodenal ulcers Malnutrition

3. Weight loss pills

Depending on your specific situation, your doctor may recommend limiting weight loss with medications such as:
Progesterone hormone such as Megestrol acetate (Pallace, Ovaban) Steroids such as Pancreatic Enzyme (lipase), Metoclopramide (Reglan) or Dronabinol (Marinol) Some cancer patients who have difficulty swallowing or chewing receive parenteral (IV) nutrition therapy. People with esophageal cancer or head and neck cancer often have difficulty eating.

4. What should you do when you see weight loss?

Rapid unexplained weight loss can be a sign of cancer. It can also be a side effect of cancer treatment.
If you are diagnosed with cancer, good nutrition is very important for recovery. If your calorie intake is too low, you will not only lose weight, but you will also decrease your ability to cope physically and mentally with the treatment.
If you are losing weight unintentionally, talk to your doctor. They can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend an effective treatment plan.
Periodic health check-ups help to detect diseases early, so that there are treatment plans for optimal results. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy, including:
Health checkup package diamond general health check-up package Vip special health check-up package Comprehensive general health check-up package Standard general health check-up package Patient's examination results will be returned to your home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.

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