Many patients with lung cancer have a loss of appetite and/or weight loss. These are caused by multiple factors. The tumor releases chemicals, which can cause both the weight loss and lack of appetite. Also, feeling ill, tired or depressed can lead to both symptoms.

Treatments aimed to kill the cancer cells can also cause loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting and fatigue, which can all lead to weight loss and poor nutrition. Radiation to the chest can cause esophagitis (inflammation and pain of the food pipe), which can lead to the inability to swallow liquids and/or solids, until the esophagus (food pipe) heals.

Weight loss in lung cancer patients can be serious. Poor nutrition can lead to loss of protein stores, in the body, which can cause muscle wasting, weakness, swelling or fluid retention and make you more susceptible to infection.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage the symptoms and boost the appetite. Here are some suggestions:

• No food is “off limits.” Be aware that greasy foods might upset your digestive tract. Try to choose foods you are “in the mood for.”
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Increase your protein intake. Examples of foods rich in protein include, cheese, meat, eggs, and dairy products.
• Supplement your diet with Carnation Instant Breakfast made with whole milk or added to a milk shake. Ensure and Boost are also good supplements for protein and calories; these can be added to milkshakes as well.
• Drink plenty of fluids and minimize the amount of caffeinated beverages you consume.
  Avoid the kitchen, while your caregiver is cooking, if the smell turns you off to eating. Eat in a separate room from where the food was prepared.
• Request to meet with a Registered Dietitian at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Medications can also be prescribed to help with appetite loss and some of its causes.

• Megace Suspension.  This medication is taken once per day and increases the appetite. It may take a few days to take effect.
• Marinol.  This medication comes in pill form and is taken two to three times per day. It is used to increase the appetite and decrease nausea.
• Antiemetics.  These are anti-nausea medications which will decrease or get rid of any nausea/vomiting you are experiencing. These medications have changed over the years and are now very effective (e.g., Zofran™).