Cancer-Related Appetite Loss and Medical Cannabis

Appetite loss is a common and challenging symptom for those with cancer, particularly during treatment or in advanced stages of the disease. This reduction in the desire to eat can lead to weight loss, fatigue, and a decline in overall wellbeing. Good nutrition is important for maintaining strength, improving treatment outcomes, and enhancing quality of life.

If you have appetite loss due to cancer and other therapies have not been successful, medical cannabis may be an option to explore with our specialist team.

What Causes Loss of Appetite?

There can be different reasons why cancer may affect a person’s appetite, some of the most common are:

Some tumors release hormones that affect how hungry you feel.
Inflammation due to cancer can affect metabolism and appetite.
Tumours in the gastrointestinal tract can narrow the space food has to pass through, leading to a reduction in appetite. Tumours elsewhere in the abdomen can compress the gastrointestinal tract leading to similar effects.
Pain or stress due to cancer can cause a reduction in appetite.
A change in taste or smell, and vomiting due to cancer treatment can impact appetite.
Appetite may also be reduced as a result of medication.

The Signs of Cancer-Related Appetite Loss

The key sign of cancer-related loss of appetite is eating considerably less than normal and feelings of nausea and sicknesses related to food. Showing a clear lack of interest in food a drop in weight, marked loss of muscle mass and strength, are indicators that someone with cancer may be struggling with a lack of hunger.

What Helps Cancer Patients with No Appetite?

It’s important to report any appetite changes to the cancer care team, as they can provide extra support and advice. Things that can be done to help cancer patients struggling with no appetite include:

Medications may be appropriate depending on the situation.
Eating several small snacks throughout the day rather than full meals.
Try to eat calorie-dense and high-protein snacks.
Consider taking nutritional supplements.
Eat with someone in a comfortable and pleasant setting.

Medical Cannabis for Cancer-Related Appetite Loss

While research into medicinal cannabis for cancer-related appetite loss is still limited, there is growing interest in its use. Following the change in legalisation in 2018 which meant medical cannabis could be prescribed by specialists, patients have another option to explore when traditional therapies are not working or have unwanted side effects. Medical cannabis may be considered for managing cancer-related appetite loss, but it is important to discuss this with a healthcare professional

Have more questions about
Cancer-Related Appetite Loss?

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