8. Loss of Appetite: The Unintended Fasting
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A skipped meal here or there might seem inconsequential, but a persistent, unexplained loss of appetite warrants attention. With stage 4 colorectal cancer, it’s not unusual for patients to report a waning interest in food.
Such a diminished appetite stems from a combination of factors. The growing tumor might press against the stomach, limiting its capacity. There’s also the matter of the body’s altered metabolism in the face of advancing cancer, leading to changes in hunger cues and food tastes.
As days progress, this lack of interest in food can translate to noticeable weight loss. Moreover, without adequate nutrition, the body struggles to recover and fight against the growing malignancy, setting the stage for a vicious cycle.(8)
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