Unwanted weight loss is a common and well-known phenomenon in cancer. But also specifically in pancreatic cancer and after a Whipple operation (text in Dutch only), the most common form of surgery after pancreatic cancer. Weight loss could be caused by the treatment or by the cancer itself.
When is weight loss alarming?
Researchers have established rules for when weight loss is alarming. If weight loss is more than 5% of total body weight within a month and more than 10% within 6 months, there is a problem. With an average normal weight for adult women and men of about 65 and 70 kg, this can practically be translated into a loss of weight of more than 3 kg in a month and/or 6 kg in six months. This concerns people who are not dieting. In healthy people, there is mainly a loss of fat mass. Weight loss caused by cancer consists of loss of equal parts fat mass and muscle mass. In people with cancer, 1 kg of weight loss already means a loss of 0.5 kg of muscle. People who are overweight have more fat tissue but not more muscle tissue than slim people.
Weight loss and cancer
Weight loss due to cancer (cancer cachexia) itself can have more causes. In people with cancer where the tumor has metastasized, cancer cachexia syndrome occurs with varying frequency and severity. The body can burn more, or break down muscle tissue, while there is also a reduced appetite. This is because substances are sometimes produced in the pancreatic tumor that are released into the blood. These are substances that signal the body that more fats need to be burned, while this is not necessary. These substances also suppress the appetite. You get a thinner body, smaller muscles and fatigue.
Weight loss has a significant impact on quality of life. Even someone with a relatively high body weight can be in poor nutritional condition.
Nutritional advice
Pancreatic tumor(s) must be treated to counteract the unwanted weight loss. There are various treatment options for this, which you can read more about on our website (text in Dutch only). In addition, you can consult the specialist who may refer you to a dietician or nutritionist. Considerations for taking nutritional measures can be of a medical or social nature or are based on the wishes of the person concerned. Malnutrition leads to a delay in the healing process. This is due to the occurrence of complications, such as infections or a reduction in general functioning (due to decreased muscle strength, fatigue, apathy and depression). This may lead to a decrease in overall well-being or longer hospital stays and higher mortality rate.