Question 1

what are factors contributing to cancer cachexia?

Accepted Answer

Cancer and treatment: The greek words kakos="bad things", & hexus="state of being.  Cancer cachexia is characterized by diminished nutrient intake and progressive tissue depletion, both of which lead to weight loss. Cytokine activation and tumor-derived cachexia-inducing substances are thought to be the causes.In some cases, cancer treatment may also contribute to loss of lean body mass in patients with advanced cancer.

Question 2

if i had cancer cachexia would i be able to play basketball and work out?

Accepted Answer

: Physical activity/Exercise in any form is encouraged for all patients with a diagnosis of Cancer as long as you can tolerate increasing amounts of exercise/work out. This might also help to increase your appetite and improve the problem with Cachexia.

Question 3

would i know if i had cancer cachexia? i've lost a couple of pounds and feel like i have no muscles, especially in my upper arms. i'm thin.

Accepted Answer

Even when you are: thin, losing a couple of pounds should not be of large concern. Also, we would need to determine if you truly are weak (your muscles are losing power) or if they just seem smaller/thinner. Finally, I don't believe the term cancer cachexia is applied to anyone unless they actually have been diagnosed with cancer. I am concerned about your nutrition and body weight; seek medical/nutritional consult

Question 4

mom has advanced ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2006. what is the best solution for cancer cachexia? megestrol acetate is not helping, nor protein food

Accepted Answer

Cancer cachexia solu: Unfortunately once cancer cachexia sets in, the tumor is usually very far advanced and medications usually do not help much.

Question 5

i've lost weight and also muscle tone. my arms fatigue easily. how would i know the difference between sarcopenia from inactivity and cancer cachexia?

Accepted Answer

See a doctor: The symptoms you described warrant a more detailed history, physical examination and may be some tests. It would be prudent to consult your doctor for an evaluation. In mean time try doing some exercise, even just walking and increase the pace gradually over days and weeks. If the weakness is due to inactivity, it will improve with time.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

Question 6

i would just like some advice for someone showing early signs of cancer related cachexia please. ?

Accepted Answer

Happy to help: But you need to provide a bit more information and/or a particular question.

Question 7

how is cachexia corrected in prostate  cancer?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult: Cachexia from any cancer is difficult to treat. Many reasons can lead to poor appetite, from apathy to lack of hunger or not even being able to taste foods well thus decreasing appetite. I'd recommend that you work with a dietician who is familiar with cancer patients. Protein calories seem to be quite important as well. I have not seen doctors use Megace (megestrol) an appetite stimulant in these cases.

Question 8

what food will help in combating cachexia caused by lung cancer? what else should be done?

Accepted Answer

High caloric fluid: The cachexia associated with cancer is due to the elaboration of tumor  necrosis factor, As such a high caloric liquid diet including Ensure should be employed.  When patients are seen  who are receiving radiation or chemo, it is advisable to increase the caloric intake with hyperalimentation where a pic line is inserted in the arm and the patient is given approximately 2L of fluid each evening.

Question 9

how fast does cachexia in someone with non small cell lung cancer advance to refractory stage and can it be reversed ?

Accepted Answer

Treatment of cancer: Reversal of cachexia depends on successful treatment of the cancer. The rate of progression, if the cancer is not curable, is not predictable. If the cancer is not curable you may wish to seek palliative and/or hospice care for the patient.

Question 10

mum has lung cancer  tumor no change in size and her weight as gone down to 6 stone  from 8 stone in 3 mth is this refactory cachexia?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Unintended weight loss of the magnitude your described is not a good sign. Please consult this site for more information on this topic.
Wish you and your mom, good health.

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Doctor answers about:

Cancer cachexia

A member asked:

What are factors contributing to cancer cachexia?

A member asked:

If i had cancer cachexia would i be able to play basketball and work out?

A member asked:

Would i know if i had cancer cachexia? i've lost a couple of pounds and feel like i have no muscles, especially in my upper arms. i'm thin.

A member asked:

Mom has advanced ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2006. what is the best solution for cancer cachexia? megestrol acetate is not helping, nor protein food

A member asked:

I've lost weight and also muscle tone. my arms fatigue easily. how would i know the difference between sarcopenia from inactivity and cancer cachexia?

A member asked:

I would just like some advice for someone showing early signs of cancer related cachexia please. ?

A member asked:

How is cachexia corrected in prostate cancer?

A member asked:

What food will help in combating cachexia caused by lung cancer? what else should be done?

A member asked:

How fast does cachexia in someone with non small cell lung cancer advance to refractory stage and can it be reversed ?

A member asked:

Mum has lung cancer tumor no change in size and her weight as gone down to 6 stone from 8 stone in 3 mth is this refactory cachexia?

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