Cancer Research UK main site

Is weight loss normal

Psaiumlon
Offline

My mum finished her treatment for stage 3 breast cancer a month ago. She had chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She is still losing weight even though she is now eating more than before.

Is this something to be concerned about or is it usual to continue to lose weight after treatment stops. Thank you.

  • Hi there and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear about the treatment your mum needed for breast cancer.

    As I am sure you are aware cancer treatment can takes its toll on the body and it can take time for someone to recover afterwards.

    It is worth your mum mentioning the weight loss to her team just so they are aware. I don't think this is necessarily anything to be worried about but they may be able to suggest some ways of getting in more calories and maintaining a healthy weight.

    We have some information about putting on weight on our web pages so do take a look of things that may help.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to Psaiumlon

    Not saying this is what is happening because i have no idea, but my wife lost a lot of weight after treatment. The drugs etc can make you pile on the weight. The steroids, the chemo etc. She had it explained to her that weight can drop off once those drugs are removed.

    We went into this thinking cancer = weight loss. But with breast cancer, a lot of people actually put weight on. Not too dissimilar to the cancer makes people sleep a lot. Nah, insomnia was the main symptom. My wife barely had a decent night's sleep. Even 2 years out and because of her hormones, she's still bothered with it.

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.