What consequence of cancer is associated with anorexia/cachexia?

The correct choice is linked to the phenomenon known as cachexia, which is a complex syndrome characterized by severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and a decrease in overall nutritional status often seen in cancer patients. Cancer cachexia is not merely the result of reduced food intake; it is a multifactorial condition that involves metabolic changes and the body's response to the tumor itself.

Cancer cells can indeed "feed" on host tissue proteins, especially during advanced stages of the disease, which leads to the breakdown of muscle and fat stores. This results in significant weight loss and a decrease in the patient's ability to eat adequately, further exacerbating the condition. The tumor's metabolic demands can lead to an imbalance in energy expenditure, causing the body to utilize its own proteins for energy, hence the connection to cancer feeding on tissue proteins.

This understanding is crucial for oncology nursing as it highlights the importance of nutritional support and interventions aimed at managing cachexia in cancer patients to help improve their overall quality of life and possibly their treatment outcomes.