Focus Taiwan
Date: 2015/07/22
By: P.N. Lung and Lillian Lin

Taipei, July 22 (CNA) Cancer patients who lose a lot of weight rapidly may die as a result, according to a survey conducted by the Taiwan Clinical Oncology Society.

The survey, which was conducted among 202 selected cancer patients being monitored by doctors, found that 59 percent of the patients had a weight loss problem and 77 percent had eating problems. In cases of patients who had suffered a drastic loss in weight, 20 percent had died, according to the survey.

Citing the survey, Dr. Kao Shang-jyh (高尚志), chairman of the medical society, said at a press conference Wednesday that in the process of chemotherapy, 77 percent of cancer patients lose their appetite or vomit their food, and 78 lose weight after three months.

He said patients with gastric, pancreatic or lung cancer are most likely to suffer severe weight loss, which could lead to death.     [FULL  STORY]