As an expert in the field of oncology, I can tell you that weight loss is a common symptom in many individuals with cancer. This is often due to a condition known as cachexia, which is a complex metabolic disorder that leads to weight loss, including the loss of muscle mass, even when the patient is consuming an adequate diet. Cachexia is a significant problem because it can affect the patient's quality of life and their response to treatment. It's important to note that not all cancer patients will experience cachexia, but it is a serious concern for many. The exact mechanisms behind cachexia are not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of factors including the tumor's metabolic demands, the body's inflammatory response, and changes in appetite and metabolism. Unfortunately, cachexia can contribute to the death of cancer patients, as it weakens the body and makes it harder to fight the disease. read more >>

Half of all cancer patients suffer from a wasting syndrome called cachexia. Affected patients lose weight, including muscle, no matter how much they eat. The wasting is the immediate cause of about a third of all cancer deaths.read more >>