GLOSSARY

Cancer Cachexia is cancer-associated wasting that can involve inflammation and altered metabolism and may not be fully reversed by food alone.

Cancer-related nutrition problems can involve poor appetite, altered taste, swallowing difficulty, treatment effects, inflammation and malabsorption. Goals differ with the disease course and may emphasize maintaining intake, function and comfort rather than intentional weight reduction. Cachexia can persist despite efforts to increase food, requiring a broader treatment approach. Coordinate food modifications and nutrition support with the oncology team. Restrictive anticancer diet claims should not displace adequate intake or prescribed treatment without credible clinical justification.

Malnutrition can occur across body sizes, including in a person with obesity. Assessment considers reduced intake or assimilation, disease-related inflammation, weight trajectory and relevant body-composition or functional findings. Undernutrition, overnutrition and individual micronutrient deficiencies describe overlapping but distinct problems. A stable or high body weight cannot exclude inadequate nutrient supply or muscle loss. In an athlete, declining intake, recurrent illness or unintentional weight loss deserves assessment rather than automatic praise for becoming lighter.

Oral nutrition support can include food fortification, snacks, adjusted meal patterns and oral nutritional supplements when swallowing is safe. A clinical oral supplement differs in purpose and composition from many ordinary sports products. Check whether it adds needed intake or unintentionally replaces meals without meeting requirements. Review taste, tolerance, cost and actual consumption. If intake remains insufficient or swallowing is unsafe, the care team may need to assess a different route rather than simply recommending more oral drinks.