It is very common for people living with cancer to lose weight. This can be due to treatment side effects like trouble swallowing, nausea, mouth sores, or decreased appetite.
In addition, weight loss can also be due to a syndrome that’s caused by underlying cancer. Doctors refer to this weight loss syndrome as “cachexia.” It’s estimated that cachexia occurs in up to 80% of all people living with cancer. Cachexia is a “wasting disorder” that causes extreme weight loss and muscle wasting and can include loss of body fat. Researchers believe that cachexia is part of the body’s response to fighting disease. In an effort to get more energy to fuel the brain when nutritional stores are low, the body breaks down muscle and fat.
Although there is no specific treatment or way to reverse cachexia, there are tools that you can use to manage it:
- Nutritional supplements, nutrient-rich foods, and drinks that are high in protein and calories (meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, nuts, cheeses, cooked dried beans, and yogurt are all some great examples)
- Checking in with your doctor for supplements and medication that might be helpful to improve appetite, mood or reduce inflammation.
- Exercise or physical therapy – yoga or meditation
- Individual, couples, or family counseling
- Support groups
Gilda’s Club Westchester offers a Living with Cancer support group where members can join in a warm and welcoming space for support and connection throughout their cancer experience. Research suggests that support groups can help to reduce the three most significant stressors associated with cancer: unwanted isolation, loss of control, and loss of hope. For more information visit, https://gcw.gnosishosting.net/Events/Calendar.
If you are a member of GCW, contact Sarah DiGiaimo, Oncology Social Work Manager, to discuss your support group options: [email protected]. If you are not yet a member of GCW, please sign up on our website under https://cancersupportcommunitynyct.org/become-a-member/ to attend a New Member Meeting offered weekly, alternating on Tuesdays at 10:00AM & Tuesdays at 6:30PM to learn more.