Anorexia in the Terminally Ill Cancer Patient: The Emotional Impact on the Patient and the Family

ABSTRACT

Anorexia is a troublesome symptom, experienced by the majority of cancer patients. Loss of appetite in the terminally ill patient is seen as a certain sign of impending death and is a source of considerable anxiety. This study was designed to explore the ways in which terminally ill cancer patients and their primary caregivers view and respond to the patient’s loss of appetite. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit data. Findings suggest that loss of appetite is indeed a source of anxiety and conflict within the family, and that the amount of food and fluid taken is used as a barometer of the patient’s overall condition. Findings also suggest that caregiver anxiety is more pronounced in the female than in the male because the patient’s inability to eat impacts upon her customary role identity. The majority of patients viewed anorexia to be of less concern than other problems, and also voiced a preference to have their family members focus less energy on encouraging them to eat.

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Notes on contributors

Constance M. Holden

Constance M. Holden, RN, MSN, is the manager of North Hospice at North Memorial Medical Center in Minnesota, MN. The study was conducted while the author was a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.