Why do people with cancer gradually lose weight? How long does it take to lose weight?

As a surgeon, I come into contact with cancer patients the most. Weight loss is one of the common physical signs of cancer patients, which is why doctors repeatedly remind everyone: If you lose too much weight in a short period of time without intentional weight loss, you should be alert to the occurrence of cancer. Why do people with cancer gradually lose weight? How long does it take to lose weight? Let's talk about it today.

Why do people with cancer lose weight? First of all, it should be noted that weight loss is a common physical sign of cancer patients, but not all cancer patients will lose weight. Weight loss in cancer patients mainly depends on the location and size of the tumor, treatment status, emotional factors, etc.

Tumor location factors

Generally speaking, tumors of the digestive system often have a greater impact on body weight.

For example, in esophageal cancer, the esophagus of patients with advanced esophageal cancer is completely blocked by the tumor. Patients are often unable to eat or can only drink a small amount of water. The most direct result of insufficient nutrition is weight loss.

Another example is patients with colon cancer. Patients in the middle and late stages of colon cancer always have abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhea. Some patients' symptoms get worse after eating. Over time, their appetite gets worse and worse, and their weight becomes lighter and lighter.

On the contrary, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, etc. have less impact on weight.

●Consumption factors of tumor

Compared with normal cells, cancer cells can often divide and proliferate indefinitely. Nutrients are needed in the process of cell division and proliferation. When the tumor is small, the nutrients we consume can barely meet the needs of normal cells and tumor cells. When the tumor grows larger and the number of tumor cells increases, the nutrients consumed by the human body cannot meet the needs of tumor cells. The "smart" tumor cells then breed various small blood vessels to "steal" nutrients from the human body. The most direct consequence is that the nutrients consumed are snatched away by tumor cells, and the patient's own nutrients cannot keep up, and the patient often becomes thinner and thinner.

●Tumor treatment factors

Except for a few patients who do not need systemic chemotherapy after early cancer resection, most cancer patients need systemic chemotherapy or local radiotherapy. Digestive symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting are one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Take chemotherapy for lung cancer as an example. Generally, one cycle lasts 21 days. When the appetite is just restored during this cycle, the next cycle of chemotherapy is required. This cycle repeats 4-6 times, and the patient's weight often drops sharply.

Psychological factors caused by tumors

Cancer brings enormous psychological pressure to patients. Some people die from diagnosis within only a dozen days or even a few days. From the moment they get the news, they are shrouded in fear. The tremendous pressure affects the human endocrine system, reducing the secretion of digestive juices and not taking any food for several days or even a week. Even normal people cannot withstand such torment, let alone cancer patients. The direct consequence is weight loss.

How long does it take to lose weight after having cancer? From the above introduction, you will find that there is no clear time to lose weight. It all depends on the speed of the tumor consumption, the location of the tumor, the individual's response to treatment, and inner emotions.

Theoretically, the more advanced the tumor is, the more likely it is that you will lose weight, especially for digestive tract tumors, which often start to cause weight loss in the middle stage. However, weight loss tends to be slower for lung cancer and thyroid cancer. Last year, the well-known up-and-comer Hu Zi was suspected of faking illness because he revealed that he had advanced lung cancer but his weight did not drop significantly. He even suffered cyberbullying. Not long after, Hu Zi passed away from this world due to lung cancer. This also shows that the type of tumor has a lot to do with whether you lose weight.

Cancer may make you lose weight, but losing weight does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Many endocrine and metabolic diseases can also make people lose weight. So when you lose a lot of weight in a short period of time, you must go to the hospital for a physical examination in time, identify the cause, and actively treat it so that you can live a healthier life.