ABSTRACT
There is a lack of recognition regarding the negative impact of cancer cachexia on patients and their families. Management of cancer cachexia should address not only patients’ physical problems, but also psychosocial burdens of both patients and their families. Eating-related distress (ERD) is one of the most representative psychosocial burdens experienced during cancer.
Previous studies indicated that various types of ERD seen in patients and their families are caused by a gap between reality and expectations, the main causes of which are a lack of knowledge about cancer cachexia, unsuccessful attempts to increase body weight, and the expected occurrence of death. Furthermore, reduced dietary intake of patients frequently becomes a source of conflict within families.
Supportive, communicative, and educational interventions would alleviate ERD of patients and their families. If treatments reduce the negative impact of cancer cachexia, ERD could be ameliorated. Since ERD can change during cancer, palliative care needs to be tailored to each patient and family.
