Some cancer patients find that they gain or lose weight during treatment from certain drug therapies or stress. Patients should talk to their physicians if they experience any significant weight fluctuation during treatment. Weight gain during cancer treatment could be due to water retention or other effects of treatment rather than an increased caloric intake. An attempt to lose weight during treatment could cause increased health problems in some patients. Diuretics can usually be prescribed to reduce excess water in the body.
Weight loss is a possible side effect of tamoxifen .
The drug Aromasin has been shown to increase or decrease appetite in some patients. Weight gain or loss may also occur from the stress of breast cancer treatment. The NCI provides a wealth of information on all aspects of breast cancer, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survival. NCI also provides free brochures through its Cancer Information Service. Copyright 1997-2001 Imaginis Corporation.