Why is it important to manage anorexia and weight loss?
Anorexia and the resulting weight loss compromises your health, often weakening your immune system and causing great discomfort and dehydration. As a result, cancer treatment may need to be reduced or delayed, which results in the delivery of treatment that is not optimal. In an evaluation of 12 different studies involving 3,047 patients, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group found that loss of more than 5% of pre-cancer weight predicted a poor prognosis for cancer patients. In addition, this weight loss was associated with a lower response to chemotherapy.[1] Not only can anorexia interfere with treatment, it can cause concern for both you and your family. Any attempts to prevent or manage anorexia can improve your health and provide you and your family with a sense of well-being.
