Perception of subjective lived experiences of individuals with anorexia-cachexia in patients with advanced lung cancer

Patient and carer experiences of cancer cachexia and its management

“…We found six studies published since these reviews, and one conference poster, exploring experiences of living with, or caring for someone with, cancer cachexia [8–14 ▪▪ ]. All conducted interviews with between seven and 25 people with cancer and cachexia or self-reported weight loss or eating problems.…”

“…Patients described profound physical, psychological, and social impacts of cachexia, with an altered sense of self and a loss of identity, independence, and usual/familial roles, sometimes caused by weakness and fatigue [9,12,14 ▪▪ ]. Many expressed self-consciousness, embarrassment, and disappointment over body image, causing depression in some cases, as well as anxiety about weight loss visibility and loss of strength and function [9,12,13]. Both patients and partners/carers often interpreted weight loss as a sign of disease progression [8,9,11,12].…”

“…Many expressed self-consciousness, embarrassment, and disappointment over body image, causing depression in some cases, as well as anxiety about weight loss visibility and loss of strength and function [9,12,13]. Both patients and partners/carers often interpreted weight loss as a sign of disease progression [8,9,11,12]. Changes in physical function caused sadness, frustration, boredom, and guilt [14 ▪▪ ].…”

“…Perceived causes of dietary changes and weight loss included appetite loss, symptoms hindering eating, cancer itself, and hospital food issues [13]. However, many patients believed that eating was important to maintain independence and tolerate treatments and attempted to improve their eating habits [12]. Carers/partners worried about the consequences of reduced food intake and often responded by encouraging patients to eat [8,11].…”

“…Offering food was seen as an act of caring [8]; however, patients often felt misunderstood by carers and family [10]. Efforts from family and friends were often felt as pressure and caused stress, conflicts, anger at the perceived rejection of efforts, and social isolation [11,12]. Carers expressed guilt over nagging and a sense of responsibility for patients’ wellbeing, sometimes feeling powerless [10].…”