Nutritional Problems & Weight Loss

Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ) (National Cancer Institute)
Describes the effects of cancer and its therapy on nutrition, as well methods for maintaining nutrition in cancer patients. Patient and physician versions available. [6/06]

Weighing In: Preventing Cancer Weight Loss (CURE)
by Sandra Gordon
v.2, n.2 CURE (Summer 2003)
Explains the importance of preventing weight loss in patients with advanced cancer and provides helpful suggestions for maintaining weight. [8/03]

Nutritional Problems and the Cancer Patient: Psychosocial Considerations (Medscape)
Discusses nutritional problems common among cancer patients and the potential for distress related to eating problems among patients and family members. Recommends an interdisciplinary approach to nutritional care that includes a psychological assessment as well as support and education for patient and family. Aimed at health care professionals. Registration required for free access to Medscape. [2002]

Eating Hints for Cancer Patients (NIH/NCI)
Sections include: Eating Well During Cancer Treatment, Managing Eating Problems During Treatment, Special Diets for Special Needs, Glossary and Recipes for Better Nutrition During Cancer Treatment.

Nutrition (Cancer Supportive Care)
from Cancer Supportive Care by Ernest H. Rosenbaum, MD & Isadora R. Rosenbaum, MA
Addresses issues of nutrition and cancer including loss of appetite, diarrhea, when foods taste or smell funny, chewing or swallowing difficulties, and weight gain, among others.

Cancer-related Anorexia (CancerSymptoms.org)
Offers basic information on cancer-related anorexia. Discusses various ways that anorexia is managed, including medications, nutritional support, self-care activities and complementary and alternative therapies. [undated]

Megestrol Acetate (Megace) (CancerBACUP)
Factsheet on megestrol acetate (Megace), a hormonal therapy sometimes used as an appetite stimulant. Includes discussion of how Megace works and possible side effects. [4/07]

Influence of Nutritional Status on Complications After Operations for Lung Cancer (Annals of Thoracic Surgery)
Abstract of a study examining the role of nutritional status in patients undergoing an operation for lung cancer. Results indicate that impaired nutrition is an important predictor of death and the need for reventilation after an operation for lung cancer. Suggests that the selection of patients for lung resection might be improved by measuring simple nutritional indices. [3/00]