Anorexia & Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can have many side effects. A common side effect is anorexia. Anorexia is the feeling of not being hungry or having no desire to eat. This side effect can cause other complications, such as malnutrition. Managing anorexia effectively is important during treatment for cancer.

Features

• Chemotherapy and radiation can both cause anorexia. Chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells in your body. This includes cells in your mouth and digestive tract. As those cells die, your desire to eat and sense of taste can change. Radiation can cause extreme fatigue, which can lead to anorexia due to lack of energy.

Time Frame

• Anorexia can show up at any time in your treatment. You may also experience periods of anorexia that come and go. Your anorexia may last for a short time after you have completed treatment. As your body recovers from the treatments, the anorexia should decrease.

Effects

• One of the dangers of anorexia is that it can cause malnutrition. During cancer treatments it is important to get enough nutrients. Malnutrition can increase other side effects such as fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Good nutrition during treatment can help you feel better and lessen your side effects.

Considerations

• If you are experiencing anorexia, eat foods that give you the most nutrients, proteins and calories; this way you are getting as much nutrition as you can from the small amount of food you consume. Try to drink milk and use liquid nutritional supplements.

Solutions

• Become a grazer. Eat small snacks every few hours instead of full-sized meals. Use seasonings to add flavor to foods that taste bland. Keep high-calorie snack food with you and eat whenever you feel up to it. Consult a dietitian if you are having trouble maintaining weight. Keep your doctor updated on how your eating is going.