Do You Lose Your Appetite With Cancer?
Loss of appetite is a common symptom for many people living with cancer, particularly during treatment or in the later stages of the disease. Some people feel full more quickly than usual, lose interest in food, or struggle to eat enough to keep their weight steady.
Over time, a reduced appetite can contribute to weight loss, tiredness, and weakness. In some cases, it forms part of a condition called cancer cachexia, a complex syndrome involving ongoing weight and muscle loss. Always tell your cancer care team about changes in your appetite, as they can offer advice and support.
Cancer-Related Appetite Loss and Medical Cannabis: The Facts
people with upper gastrointestinal cancers experience loss of appetite and significant weight loss at the time of diagnosis [1]
What Causes Loss of Appetite in Cancer Patients?
Loss of appetite in cancer patients can be caused by the cancer itself, cancer treatments, cancer-related symptoms, and some medications.
Common causes include:
- Some tumours release hormones that can affect feelings of hunger.
Inflammation caused by cancer may affect metabolism and appetite. - Tumours in the digestive tract can narrow the space food passes through, while tumours elsewhere in the abdomen can press on the digestive system.
- Pain, stress, nausea, and vomiting can all reduce appetite.
- Changes in taste or smell caused by cancer treatment can make food less appealing.
- Some treatments used during cancer care may contribute to appetite loss.
Treatment Options for Cancer-Related Appetite Loss
It is important to report any changes in appetite to your cancer care team, as they can offer advice, support, and treatment where appropriate. Approaches that may help include:
- Eating several smaller meals or snacks through the day instead of large meals
- Choosing high-calorie, high-protein foods and snacks
- Taking nutritional supplements if your healthcare team recommends them
- Eating with family or friends in a relaxed setting
- Medicines to help with appetite or related symptoms, where a clinician thinks they are appropriate
- When these approaches have not provided enough relief, a specialist may discuss other options with you. Medical cannabis is one option that may be considered
How Does Cancer-Related Appetite Loss Affect People?
Cancer and its treatments can affect how the body functions, including appetite. When people are unable to eat enough to meet their nutritional needs, they may experience increased fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and reduced muscle strength, which can make day-to-day activities more challenging.
Cancer-related appetite loss can also affect emotional wellbeing. Worrying about eating, weight loss, or maintaining strength during treatment may contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, or low mood for some people.
Managing cancer-related appetite loss can be challenging, particularly when symptoms persist despite dietary changes or other treatments. If conventional approaches have not provided adequate relief, medical cannabis may be an option for eligible patients with cancer-related appetite loss.
To find out more about real patient experiences with medical cannabis prescribed for a range of conditions, visit our testimonials page.
Medical Cannabis for Cancer-Related Appetite Loss
In the UK, specialist doctors have been able to prescribe medical cannabis since 2018. It is a prescription-only treatment that is not suitable for everyone. It does not treat or cure cancer. For some people experiencing cancer-related appetite loss, a specialist may consider it to help manage the symptom when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief or have caused unwanted side effects.
Any decision is made on an individual basis after assessment by a specialist clinician, who will consider your symptoms, medical history, and the other treatments you are receiving. Medical cannabis is not a first-line treatment for appetite loss.
Research on Medical Cannabis and Cancer-Related Appetite Loss
Research in this area is still developing, and the current evidence is limited. There is growing interest in whether cannabinoids may have a role in some of the challenges linked to reduced appetite in people living with cancer, but firm conclusions cannot yet be drawn, and larger clinical studies are needed.
A 2019 review examined existing research on the body’s endocannabinoid system and its role in regulating appetite [2]. Researchers explored how cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) interact with cannabinoid receptors, and whether these interactions could influence appetite, hunger signals, and other symptoms associated with cancer-related appetite loss.
The review suggested that cannabinoids may affect hunger signals and inflammatory responses, offering insight into how they might influence appetite in some people.
Reviews like this help improve our understanding of how cannabinoids interact with the body. However, further real-world evidence and larger clinical studies are needed to clarify which patients, if any, are most likely to benefit and the long-term effects of treatment.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Medical Cannabis?
Like all medicines, medical cannabis can cause side effects and is not suitable for everyone. Reported side effects can include tiredness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and effects on mood or concentration. Your specialist clinician will discuss the possible benefits and risks with you, check whether the treatment is suitable given your medical history and other medicines, and monitor you if treatment is started.
Can I Be Prescribed Medical Cannabis for Cancer-Related Appetite Loss?
Whether medical cannabis is suitable can only be decided after a full clinical assessment. Your specialist clinician will consider your symptoms, medical history, current treatment plan, and any medicines you are taking before making a recommendation.
If you would like to find out whether a consultation may be suitable, you can complete our online eligibility assessment with Curaleaf Clinic. The team will review your medical history and, if appropriate, invite you to speak with a clinician experienced in supporting people living with cancer.
References
[1] Cancer Research UK (n.d.). Taste changes and loss of appetite. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/diet-problems/types/taste-changes-and-loss-of-appetite
[2] Wang, J., Wang, Y., Tong, M., Pan, H., & Li, D. (2019). New Prospect for Cancer Cachexia: Medical Cannabinoid. Journal of Cancer, 10(3), 716–720. https://doi.org/10.7150/jca.28246
