Why should we care about the cancer anorexia/weight loss syndrome?

In a recent study, Wolfe and others interviewed 103 parents of children who had died from cancer.[1] Approximately 80% of these children suffered anorexia, or loss of appetite. Over 35% of parents identified anorexia as a cause of distress for their child when a physician failed to recognize it. Wolfe and others concluded,"greater attention to symptom control....might ease...suffering." In adults, the syndrome of cancer anorexia/weight loss is no less pervasive, and no less distressing. Anorexia is one of the most deleterious symptoms, surpassed only by pain and fatigue.[2] The majority of adults with advanced cancer suffer from it toward the end of life. Among all cancer patients-regardless of age or cancer type-"greater attention to [the anorexia/weight loss syndrome]...might ease...suffering."