Unexplained Weight Loss and Cancer: When to Worry?

Unexplained weight loss of more than 5% of body weight in a period of 6 months - 1 year, it is necessary to see a doctor for a general health check.
Sudden weight loss can happen in many different circumstances such as stress, life shock, change in work schedule, etc. However, to make sure your health is still normal, you should see your doctor.

According to the American Cancer Society, unexplained weight loss is often the first noticeable symptom of esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer.
Other cancers, such as ovarian cancer, are more likely to cause weight loss when the tumor grows large enough to press on the stomach.
Most cancers cause weight loss by causing symptoms that make it difficult to eat, such as nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Cancer also stimulates an inflammatory response against the tumor by producing inflammatory cytokines and altering the body's metabolism. This messes with the hormones that regulate appetite, promoting the breakdown of fat and muscle.
Growing tumors use a significant amount of the body's energy, which can increase resting energy expenditure (REE).

Early symptoms of cancer are often very vague, less severe, so people don't pay attention. In addition, abnormal weight loss, cancer also causes other symptoms in its early stages, including:
Loss of appetite Difficulty swallowing Frequent indigestion or heartburn Yellowing of the skin Fatigue Persistent hoarseness Persistent pain Change in habits bowel movements Stomach bleeding These symptoms are often confused with diseases with a higher incidence than cancer. Therefore, it is still difficult to detect cancer at an early stage.

In addition to cancer, several other causes of unexplained weight loss include:
Celiac disease Crohn's disease Ulcerative colitis Stomach ulcers Certain medications Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism Addison's disease Dental problems Department of Dementia Depression Stress Anxiety Diabetes Substance abuse HIV parasitic infection

Most cases of unexplained weight loss are not due to cancer. However, you should monitor and tell your doctor about any significant weight loss that cannot be explained by changes in your diet or daily activity level.
In general, a loss of more than 5% of body weight within 6 to 12 months requires medical attention. And if you're an older adult with other health problems, even a smaller amount of weight loss could be reason to see your doctor.
Your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history, including any medications you're taking. Urine and blood tests, as well as imaging tests to look for signs of cancer or another condition that may affect weight loss.
See a doctor for immediate treatment if weight loss is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
Inability to swallow solids or liquids Significant rectal bleeding Difficulty breathing Vomiting Blood vomiting that looks like coffee grounds Dizziness and fainting Or confusion Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of many conditions, including cancer. Therefore, if weight loss is accompanied by unusual symptoms, you should soon go to medical facilities to examine and accurately diagnose the disease.
Periodic health check-ups help detect diseases early, thereby planning treatment for optimal results. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy.
The results of the patient's examination will be returned to the home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties right at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.

References: healthline.com, cancer.org