[Web Questionnaire Survey on Appetite Loss and Weight Loss Associated with Cancer Cachexia Japanese Evidence for Patients Of Cancer Cachexia(J-EPOCC)-The Understanding of Cancer Cachexia]

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2020 Jul;47(7):1075-1080.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Cancer cachexia is multifactor syndrome that occurs in 50-80% of cancer patients and accounts for 20% of cancer deaths. We conducted a web questionnaire survey for healthcare professionals(doctors and medical staff), patients and families to clarify the understanding of cancer cachexia. As a result, it was revealed that the understanding of cancer cachexia among patients and families was low. Cancer cachexia was widely recognized by healthcare professionals, but 3 stages of EPCRC was not. Many of healthcare professionals recalled the image of terminal stage of cancer from the term "cancer cachexia", and they lack awareness that cancer cachexia was a disease complication which developed from the early stage of cancer. Furthermore, there were many doctors who were faced with the problem such as a lack of treatment options for cancer cachexia. From these facts, it is necessary to disseminate scientific concept of cancer cachexia and establish standard of care from the early stage.

MeSH terms

  • Appetite
  • Cachexia* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Neoplasms* / complications
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Weight Loss