Cancer Lung Cancer Living With Loss of Appetite During Cancer Treatment Coping With a Lack of Appetite With Cancer Print By Lynne Eldridge, MD Updated June 25, 2018 Show Article Table of Contents Overview Treatments Coping When to Call the Doctor View All Back To Top Eric Audras/Getty Images More in Lung Cancer Living With Non-Small Cell Small Cell Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Treatment Diagnosis Support & Coping Loss of appetite, referred to by doctors as anorexia, is a common symptom during treatment for lung cancer (anorexia differs from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, a psychological illness in which patients starve themselves). What causes anorexia, how is it treated, and what can you do to cope, to make sure you are getting the nutrition you need? Overview Many things can lower your appetite during cancer treatment. These include symptoms related to the cancer, side effects of treatment, and your body’s response to the cancer. Most people with advanced cancer have some degree of anorexia. Decreased nutrition due to appetite changes can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, loss of muscle mass, and wasting (cachexia). Knowing the effect of poor nutrition on treatment response, oncologists are increasingly addressing the role of nutrition in cancer patients. Nutritional support has been shown to result in: Fewer infections after surgeryBetter control of cancer-related symptomsShorter hospital staysGreater ability of cancer survivors to tolerate treatmentsBetter overall response to treatmentImproved quality of life for those living with cancer Treatments Several treatment options are available to help with appetite, and also help maintain your weight during cancer treatment. Some of these include: 1. Nutritional evaluation/counseling - Many cancer centers are offering nutritional counseling and support for those living with cancer. 2. Treatment of underlying causes – Other symptoms related to cancer or treatment can add to poor appetite. It is important to share any of these symptoms with your oncologist so they can be addressed: Mouth soresTaste changesFatigueDepressionNausea or vomitingDifficulty swallowing (dysphagia)Shortness of breathPainMedications – Some medications (such as pain medications) can interfere with appetite and may need to be changed, or the dosage altered 3. Supplements – Some oncologists will recommend nutritional supplements to boost your calorie intake 4. Medications – Your physician may recommend a medication to stimulate your appetite, or help with transit through your digestive tract. A few of these medications used to increase appetite during cancer treatment include: Steroids such as Decadron (dexamethasone)Megace (megestrol)Reglan (metoclopramide)Cannabinoids (medical marijuana) 5. Artificial nutrition - Artificial nutrition includes Enteral nutrition (tube feeding), or parenteral nutrition (nutrients delivered to the body via a catheter into a vein in the arm or chest) – Your physician may discuss these options with you if you are unable to eat due to swallowing difficulties or other problems. 6. Complimentary therapies - Complimentary/alternative therapies (such as herbal supplements and meditation) are being looked at for their role in assisting with appetite in cancer survivors. Coping Cancer treatment not only decreases appetite, but you may become full more quickly when eating. A few tips may help you boost your calories when you don’t feel particularly hungry: Eat small portions frequently instead of 3 large meals dailyMake your environment pleasing. Dine with family and friends. Play music. Use lighting that feels comfortableLight exercise can sometimes stimulate appetite. Ask your oncologist for her recommendationsEat nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein – Good choices include nuts, cheese and crackers, ice cream, peanut butter, and puddingsHave food on hand that you enjoy and is easy to prepareFind foods that are comfortable to eat if you have mouth sores or taste changesDrink fluids between meals to avoid becoming full too fastFatigue is a big factor for many cancer survivors when it comes to cooking – Accept your loved one’s willingness to bring meals, freeze leftovers for another meal, and ask your friends if they would mind preparing meals ahead of time that you can freeze for a quick dinnerEat whenever you feel hungryTry different foods – Sometimes a change in routine can make food more “interesting” and tempting When to Call the Doctor Make sure you keep your doctor updated on your appetite, as well as anything that is interfering with your ability to eat. Call between visits if you: Are unable to eat for 24 hours (sooner if you are unable to swallow fluids)Have difficulty swallowing, or if eating is otherwise painfulDevelop abdominal painLose 5 pounds or moreIf you note any signs of dehydration such as loss of skin tone, strong smelling urine, or are not urinating as frequently as usual A Word from Verywell Loss of appetite is one of the most frequent concerns among those who are undergoing treatment for lung cancer. There are several things you should know if this sounds like you. Loss of appetite is more than a nuisance. It can interfere with treatments, but also raise the risk of premature death from cancer. Yet you are not alone and there are things that can be one. Ask your oncologist for a referral to a nutritionist who specializes in treating people with cancer. Unlike a general nutrition evaluation, these people are familiar with the nuances of cancer and may have some excellent tips for either increasing your appetite, raising your caloric intake, or both. As a final point, loved ones of those with cancer often struggle with awful feelings of helplessness. Placing your focus on finding tasty, nutritional foods is one way in which you can both express your love, and help your loved one cope with this more than annoying side effect of cancer. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Email Address Sign Up There was an error. Please try again. Thank you, , for signing up. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Behl, D. and A. Jatoi. Pharmacological Options for Advanced Cancer Patients With Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss. Expert Opinion on Pharmacology. 2007. 8(8):1085-90. Dy, S. et al. Evidence-Based Recommendations for Cancer Fatigue, Anorexia, Depression, and Dyspnea. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2008. 26(23):3886-95. Marin Caro, M. et al. Impact of Nutrition on Quality of Life During Cancer. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 2007. 10(4):480-7. National Cancer Institute. Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ) – Patient Version. Updated 01/08/16. Van Cusem, E. and J. Arends. The Causes and Consequences of Cancer-Associated Malnutrition. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2005. 9 Suppl 2:S51-63. Continue Reading