Can nutrition support treat cancer cachexia?

Cancer cachexia is a complex illness-related wasting process involving appetite, metabolism, inflammation and muscle. Eating more is not always enough to reverse it. Nutrition support may make food and fluids easier to manage, address deficiencies when present, and support comfort or function. The oncology team may also review cancer treatment, symptoms, medicines and activity. Goals can differ: maintaining strength, supporting treatment, improving comfort or helping with daily activities.

Ask for an assessment by your oncology team and, where available, a cancer dietitian. Share changes in appetite, taste, swallowing, pain, nausea, bowel habits and ability to move around. Choose the food texture and portion size you tolerate, and use prescribed supplements as directed. Gentle activity may be discussed if it is safe for you. Avoid blaming yourself when appetite or weight does not respond as expected.

Contact the team promptly if intake drops sharply, swallowing becomes difficult, vomiting persists, or weakness limits basic activities. Urgent care is needed for confusion, fainting, severe breathing difficulty or inability to keep fluids down. A sudden change can reflect infection, treatment effects, pain or another problem that needs attention rather than simply more food.

What are the goals of nutrition support for me? Could my symptoms or medicines be reducing intake? Would a dietitian, physiotherapist or symptom-control review help? Which changes need urgent contact?