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Muscle Loss and Cancer: Why It Matters for Patients with Digestive Tumors

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Muscle Loss and Cancer- Why It Matters for Patients with Digestive Tumors

Losing muscle as we age is common. But for people with gastrointestinal (digestive system) cancer, this muscle loss—called sarcopenia—can be more serious. A large study looked at how sarcopenia affects people with digestive tumors like stomach, colon, liver, or pancreatic cancer.

Sarcopenia means your body is losing muscle strength and size. This can make everyday activities harder. For cancer patients, it can also mean a higher risk during treatment and surgery.

Researchers looked at 63 different studies to see what happens when cancer patients also have sarcopenia. In nearly two-thirds of the studies, people with sarcopenia had more serious problems after surgery. These problems were strong enough to need medical care, like more time in the hospital or even more operations.

Even more concerning, most of the studies showed that people with sarcopenia did not live as long. Their survival rates were lower compared to those who had normal muscle levels.

This review tells doctors and patients that muscle health really matters. Finding sarcopenia early gives doctors time to help. Exercise, better nutrition, and support can improve strength before treatment starts.

If you or a loved one has a digestive tumor, ask your care team if they’ve checked for muscle loss. Simple changes before surgery or treatment might make a big difference.

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Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in Ahmeadbad
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