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During cancer treatment, weight can be reduced as a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If you've been diagnosed with cancer, pay attention to improving your diet, which will not only prevent weight loss, but also help keep your immune system working properly throughout your treatment.
1. Overview
Unexplained weight loss is the most obvious cancer warning sign for many people. According to the American Cancer Society, about 40% of people with first-time cancer diagnoses have unexplained weight loss, and up to 80% of people with advanced cancer experience weight loss and emaciation due to a combination of weight loss. and lose muscle.
2. The link between weight loss and cancer
Unexplained weight loss can be a warning sign of cancer and many other health problems. You should see a doctor in case your weight loss is more than 5% in 6 months to 1 year. For example, if you weigh 55kg, 5% of your body weight is 2.75kg.
According to the American Cancer Society, unexplained weight loss of 4.5kg or more can be the first sign of cancer. Cancer-related weight loss often occurs with some of the following cancers:
Pancreatic cancer Esophageal cancer Stomach cancer Lung cancer According to research by Cancer Society UK, up to 80% of people with cancer pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, or stomach cancer with significant weight loss at the time of diagnosis. Meanwhile, that number for people with lung cancer when they are first diagnosed is about 60%.
Trắc nghiệm: Thử hiểu biết của bạn về bệnh ung thư
Ung thư là nguyên nhân gây tử vong hàng thứ 2 trên thế giới. Thử sức cùng bài trắc nghiệm sau đây sẽ giúp bạn có thêm kiến thức về yếu tố nguy cơ cũng như cách phòng ngừa bệnh ung thư.
Bài dịch từ: webmd.com
3. Weight loss due to cancer treatment
Weight loss due to cancer often occurs during treatment. Continuous waves of radiation and chemotherapy can reduce appetite. In addition, weight loss can also occur due to side effects during cancer treatment such as:
Mouth sores Nausea Vomiting Fatigue
Giảm cân do tác dụng phụ trong quá trình điều trị ung như buồn nôn
4. Other causes of unexplained weight loss
According to the NHS, unexplained weight loss can be caused by a number of causes other than cancer, such as:
Stress due to divorce, job change, bereavement, etc. Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia Hyperthyroidism Infections such as tuberculosis, gastroenteritis, HIV/AIDS Depression Gastroduodenal ulcers Malnutrition
5. Weight loss treatment with drugs
Depending on the condition of each person, the doctor may recommend using some drugs to limit weight loss such as:
Progesterone hormone such as Megestrol acetate (Pallace, Ovaban) Steroid such as Pancreatic enzyme (lipase) , Metoclopramide (Reglan) or Dronabinol (Marinol) For patients with cancers that have difficulty swallowing or chewing such as esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, IV nutrition therapy is preferred. than.
Unexplained weight loss is the most obvious cancer warning sign for many people. Therefore, when there are signs of unexplained weight loss, you should go for a general health examination to find out the cause and have appropriate treatment.
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.
The results of the patient's examination will be returned to the 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 right at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
Reference source: healthline.com
