Unintentional Weight Loss: A Potential Early Warning Sign of Cancer

In a world where many people are constantly striving to slim down through strict diets and exercise, seeing the numbers on the weighing scale drop can often feel like a victory. However, when those kilograms disappear without any effort or intention, it should not be celebrated, it should be investigated. Unintentional weight loss can sometimes be an early warning sign of cancer. “In a study of more than 100,000 healthy participants, sudden and unintentional weight loss was identified as a predictor of a future cancer diagnosis when compared to those who did not experience such weight loss," says Dr Pragnya Coca, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore. “Quite surprisingly, even early-stage cancers were associated with weight loss, indicating that this symptom can help catch a tumour early with appropriate investigations." What is unintentional weight loss? Unintentional weight loss is defined as a decrease in body weight that occurs when a person is not actively trying to lose weight through changes in diet or increased physical activity. It is a spontaneous weight change that may indicate an underlying medical condition. “In a medical setting, any unintended weight loss of more than 5% of total body weight over a period of 6 to 12 months is considered significant and warrants medical attention," explains Dr Coca. Is cancer the only reason for unintentional weight loss? While cancer is one of the major causes of unintentional weight loss, several other medical conditions can also lead to this symptom. “An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), undiagnosed diabetes, chronic infections, and gastrointestinal malabsorption disorders are also known to cause unexplained weight loss," says Dr Coca. Who should you consult if you experience unintentional weight loss? If you notice unintentional weight loss in yourself or someone you know, the first step is to consult a general practitioner. “They can evaluate your symptoms and coordinate further care with an oncologist, gastroenterologist, or other specialists if necessary," advises Dr Coca. What kind of tests can you expect? After taking a detailed medical history and conducting a clinical examination, your doctor may recommend basic blood tests to assess organ function. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound or chest X-ray may be advised, and in some cases, a CT scan may be required to look for internal tumours. An endoscopy may also be recommended in specific situations. “Seeking medical attention early ensures that if your body is sending a warning signal, the underlying cause can be identified and addressed as soon as possible," concludes Dr Coca.