Colon Cancer Causes Loss of Appetite

Colon cancer causes loss of appetite, either from:

• The disease
• The chemotherapy medication
• The radiation

One of the last things you want to do when feeling unwell is eat. Whether caused by therapy, medication or stress, you may find your appetite often disappears when suffering with colon cancer.

You just have to find a way to keep up your food intake

It could be that you feel fuller much faster than you ever did before, or you're just not hungry at all. Often patients are so preoccupied they simply forget to eat and need to set an alarm to remind themselves.

You are probably feeling upset and afraid about the cancer, which is contributing to your appetite slump. It may improve once you are actually going through the course of treatment, then you know what to expect. The element of 'not knowing' can be nerve-racking and scary.

Snacking is a great way to keep the food coming without feeling full

Instead of attempting to eat three large meals a day, try eating every few hours. Have small snacks containing plenty of calories to keep your energy levels lifted. No matter what reason causes loss of appetite, you can always set an alarm to have a small snack every few hours.

If you find you are hungrier at a certain part of the day, benefit from that time slot!

• Eat as much as you can manage when food appeals to you
• And if you can only stomach one or two things, indulge in those
• Eat the foods you love right now
• It will be much better for you than eating nothing at all

You may remind yourself to eat by leaving tempting snacks within view. Out of sight so often means out of mind and you don't want that to be the case with food.

If cooking puts you off, eat prepared foods or have a friend do some cooking for you

When cooking, include plenty of calorie-rich ingredients such as butter and cream. But if it is the cooking that causes loss of appetite, try eating cold meals that don't give off such a heavy aroma. Alternatively, ask a friend or relative to prepare the meal for you. In all likeliness, they would love to have a way to help you feel better.

If solid food is the problem, try having:

• delicious fruit smoothies
• comforting vegetable soups or
• refreshing juices

The nutrients and calories in any of these three will probably make you feel slightly more energized and upbeat.

Another recommended technique is to engage in some light exercise. Your metabolism and appetite will be increased if you can manage a short walk on most days. Just make sure you eat enough to make up for the calories burnt off while exercising.

Do not feel as though you can't talk to a professional about your loss of appetite. A registered dietician can suggest a range of methods and foods to try. Even your doctor can help by prescribing a 'meal in a drink' to sip throughout the day. It will provide a much needed energy boost. Your doctor may also prescribe medication to stimulate your appetite.

Nevertheless one of the most important factors is making your mealtimes relaxing. Eat delicious food and enjoy the company of those around you. Some light-hearted conversation over the dinner table can be a good way of making you forget that you weren't hungry just five minutes before.

We know what you are going through is hard on your body in many different ways. Just take care of yourself the best that you can, and you will achieve so much more. Give yourself the energy and strength to fight the best possible fight. This disease causes loss of appetite and you just have to fight to maintain your weight and strength. We know you've got it in you.

Written by Victoria Austen - 5/11/09

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