Minimization of anorexia in cancer patients receiving abdominal radiotherapy

Bouzane, Genevieve A. (1983) Minimization of anorexia in cancer patients receiving abdominal radiotherapy. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The primary concern of this paper was with the anorexia (loss of appetite) in cancer patients receiving abdominal radiotherapy. It was felt that this anorexia, and the associated weight loss, were partly due to conditioned food aversions resulting from the radiation treatment. Experimental patients were told not to eat breakfast (the meal prior to irradiation) to avoid the development of conditioned food aversions. These patients were expected to lose less weight than control patients who were not given specific instructions regarding food intake prior to morning irradiation. A food preference questionnaire was administered at the beginning of treatment and at two weeks post treatment. No significant differences were found between experimental and control patients on either the food preference measure or on amount of weight loss at two weeks after treatment. There is no substantial diminution of anorexia to be obtained from not eating breakfast prior to X-irradiation treatment.

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