Loss of appetite is defined as not feeling hungry or not having the desire to eat. This is a common side effect of lung cancer treatment. 

There are 3 broad causes of appetite loss related to lung cancer treatment:  

• Chemical (medicines): Some treatments or medicines can cause upset stomach or nausea. Others can reduce feelings of hunger or cause tiredness, affecting your desire to eat.
• Physical (your body function): Changes in how food smells or tastes can affect your appetite as well as having pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat when chewing and swallowing.  
• Emotional (your mental state): Depression, anxiety, and stress are some common emotions that occur with lung cancer and can affect your desire to eat.  

There are many ways to address the causes of appetite loss to ensure you get the nutrition you need. Good nutrition is important to maintain your energy levels and a healthy weight, so you can manage your treatments well. If your appetite or desire to eat has been affected, talk to a member of your healthcare team, nutritionist, or palliative care team member about what you can do to improve it. 

Treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, have a variety of possible side effects that can lead to a loss of appetite.  

Examples include:  

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Dehydration
• Mouth sores
• Tiredness or fatigue 
• Changes in the way foods tastes and smells

• A metallic or medicinal taste 
• Dry mouth 
• A sweet taste to everything 
• A need to add salt or sugar to everything 
• A new dislike for foods previously enjoyed 
• Nausea caused by the scent of foods being cooked, especially meats 

If the conditions causing appetite loss last too long, malnutrition becomes a risk. Malnutrition is when your body doesn’t get the calories and nutrition it needs for normal operation. This is serious, but there are many ways to manage the problem. 

If you are one of the many people who have some appetite loss during cancer treatment, there are many options that can help.  

Practical tips:

• Eat foods cold or at room temperature and/or have your food prepared by someone else if cooking odors bother you.  
• Eat foods that taste good, but aim for healthy choices high in calories, protein, and other nutrients. Meal replacement shakes can also give you extra nutrition and calories. 
• Eat at regular times rather than waiting for hunger that may not come. Try to snack frequently and eat many small meals throughout the day.  
• Limit drinking fluids during mealtimes to avoid feeling full. Stay hydrated by drinking fluids between meals. 
• Try ginger to help settle the stomach if you're nauseous. You can find it in some foods, herbal teas, and carbonated drinks. You can also chew on a small piece of ginger for the same effect.  
• Try to get moving if you can. Light activities like walking or yoga can stimulate your appetite and preserve lean muscle mass. 
• Chew gum or suck on ice cubes or candies if your mouth is dry. 

A member of your healthcare team can also discuss medicines that can help to increase your appetite. Contact your healthcare team to see if one is right for you. 

It’s always a good idea to tell a healthcare team member when you notice a side effect from treatment or a symptom that concerns you. Appetite loss is common and your healthcare team can guide you toward the best way to address the cause. 

Contact your healthcare team without delay if you continue to experience loss of appetite for more than a few days or have any of the following symptoms:  

• Extreme, ongoing tiredness and exhaustion 
• Excessive weight loss 
• Swelling in the legs or other parts of the body because of fluid retention