Patient and Caregiver Resources
Cancer cachexia is a serious condition that affects many people with advanced cancer. It causes extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, even if the person is eating enough food. This happens because cancer changes the way the body uses nutrients. Cachexia affects both the patient and their loved ones in many ways.
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How It Affects Patients:
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Unwanted Weight and Muscle Loss – No matter how much they eat, patients keep losing weight and muscle, making them weak and tired.
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Difficulty Moving and Doing Daily Tasks – Simple things like walking, standing up, or even getting dressed become harder.
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Weaker Immune System – Their body can't fight off infections as well.
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Trouble Handling Cancer Treatment – Chemotherapy and radiation can be harder to tolerate, and doctors may need to reduce or stop treatments.
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Lower Quality of Life – Patients often feel exhausted, have little appetite, and may become sad or withdrawn.
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Shorter Life Expectancy – Cachexia is linked to a higher risk of death in cancer patients.
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How It Affects Caregivers:
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More Physical and Emotional Stress – Taking care of a loved one with cachexia is physically and mentally exhausting.
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Feeling Overwhelmed and Helpless – Watching someone waste away despite efforts to help can lead to sadness, stress, and frustration.
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Financial Struggles – Extra medical expenses, special foods, and missing work to provide care can create money problems.
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Less Time for Social Life – Caregivers may feel isolated because they spend most of their time caring for their loved one.
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Emotional Heartache – Seeing a loved one decline can cause deep sadness and anxiety about the future.
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How to Help:
There is no cure for cancer cachexia, but some things can improve quality of life:
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Nutritious foods – Even small, high-calorie meals and supplements can help.
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Light exercise – Gentle movement may help slow muscle loss.
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Medications – Some drugs may help with appetite and weight loss.
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Emotional Support – Talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help both patients and caregivers cope.
If you or someone you love is dealing with cancer cachexia, further help is available from the following groups:
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Understanding Cancer Cachexia | Cancer Support Community
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