Managing Cancer-Related Appetite Loss with Medical Cannabis
Cancer-Related Appetite Loss – is a common side effect in patients with cancer. This may be due to the cancer itself or as aside effect of associated treatments. Most patients with cancer will experience some sort of change to their appetite to some degree, but the extent of this can depend on multiple factors, such as the type of cancer and treatment.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of appetite loss is usually a reduction in food intake. This may happen suddenly, or progress over a larger period of time. However, there are a number of other symptoms associated with appetite loss, including:
- Weight loss
- Muscle degradation
- Fatigue
A large proportion of cancer patients (50-80%) will go on to develop cachexia (a condition associated with extreme weight loss and muscle wasting) which can have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life and is often associated with poorer outcomes.
Cause and treatment
Appetite loss in patients with Cancer is usually considered to be the cause of changes in the levels of hormones that regulate hunger. This can lead to a loss of appetite, changes in food preferences, or feeling full earlier when eating.
This is often linked to inflammation in the body, which in many people, causes the signals from these hormones to become unbalanced. Cancers affecting the gastrointestinal tract, head, neck and liver present a particularly high risk of patients developing anorexia, malnutrition, and weight loss. Appetite loss can also be a side effect of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and some surgeries.
The effective treatment of Cancer-Related Appetite Loss is extremely important as it can affect the patient’s energy levels and the ability of their bodies to protect itself from other dangers, such as infections or the effects of other cancer treatments.
Simple measures such as encouraging frequent snacking, flexible mealtimes and drinking nourishing drinks, as well as attempting to make mealtimes fun and appealing, can often be effective. In some cases, medications may also be used to stimulate appetite, including steroids and progestogens.
Medical Cannabis and Cancer-Related Appetite Loss
Cannabis has long been thought to be an appetite stimulant, making it a potentially useful therapies in patients where first-line therapies have been ineffective. A number of studies have found that THC, in particular, can promote significant improvements in appetite loss.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help with appetite loss caused by cancer or cancer treatment?
Yes. Medical cannabis-particularly formulationscontaining THC-may help stimulate appetite and reduce nausea in patientsexperiencing cancer-related appetite loss. At Cantourage Clinic, we providecannabis-based treatment options for individuals struggling with weight lossand poor nutrition during cancer care.
Is medical cannabis a legal treatment for appetite loss in cancer patients in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, specialist doctors can legallyprescribe medical cannabis for cancer-related symptoms, including appetiteloss, when standard treatments have been ineffective. Cantourage Clinicoperates within strict medical guidelines to ensure safe, regulated access tocannabis-based medicines.
How does cannabis support appetite and nutritional intake during cancer treatment?
THC in particular maystimulate appetite and improve food enjoyment, while also helping to easenausea from chemotherapy or radiation. Our clinicians tailor each treatment tothe patient’s individual needs, aiming to support nutritional intake and overallwellbeing.
How do I access medical cannabis treatment for cancer-related appetite loss at Cantourage Clinic?
Begin by booking a consultation with one of ourspecialist doctors. We’ll assess your cancer treatment journey, symptoms, andprevious care. If suitable, we’ll create a personalised cannabis-based plan andsupport you through every step of treatment.