However, a human fetus grows more rapidly and uses more energy than most cancers, yet pregnant women do not waste away. Learn more about getting support when your loved one is being treated for cancer at Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients. Support from your health care providers. Ask your doctor about a nutrition screening before treatment starts and when you should be screened again during treatment. Factors like age, gender, weight and height are used to help predict daily calorie intake. So, if you have cancer, how do you know how many calories to eat a day? Life can look and feel a lot different after a cancer diagnosis. “Patients undergoing cancer treatment need individualized care both before, during and after their treatments to healthily lose weight,” she says. Some body changes that occur with weight loss suggest it may, indeed, reduce cancer risk. Although the ACS subscale was designed to assess appetite and weight concerns in people experiencing considerable weight loss, the current study suggests that it may also be useful in identifying concerns in people who have experienced non-clinically significant levels of UWL following a cancer diagnosis. Indeed, beliefs about health benefits of weight loss in overweight people has been reported , including improved body image 39, 40. If a cancer patient is struggling to eat and drink, has lost weight unintentionally, or has concerns about their diet, they should talk to their healthcare professional. This is because when cancer patients lose weight, they mostly lose the strong, protective muscle tissue needed to help fight cancer, rather than fat tissue6. Losing weight can be seen as a good thing, especially for those who have always struggled to manage their weight - but when undergoing cancer treatment is not the right time. This is caused by the body releasing substances called cytokines, which help fight the disease but also have the unfortunate side effect of causing weight loss and muscle loss, as well as a loss of appetite5. Before diagnosis, unexplained weight loss may be an early sign that something is wrong, particularly in cancers affecting the lungs, pancreas, stomach or oesophagus4. Tiny Bleeds With Severe Consequences: Expert Explains Microbleeds In Haemophilia Patients Sometimes, people with cancer can gain weight. Or it may be caused by side effects of cancer treatment. Many people with cancer have cachexia. Cachexia refers to weight loss that involves increased metabolism, loss of muscle, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Many people lose or gain weight when they have cancer. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and improve their overall well-being. A holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, exercise, psychological support, and collaborative care is essential. Coping with the emotional and psychological aspects of weight loss is crucial to support their overall well-being. It moderates in different ways inflammatory biomarkers and nutritional status.These include gastrointestinal cancer (e.g. colon cancer, stomach cancer, bowel cancer and pancreatic cancer) as well as head and neck cancer (e.g. oral cancer, head cancer, neck cancer and lung cancer)2.But if weight gain is sudden, such as 5 pounds in a week, or does not stop, tell your doctor right away.However, findings on the associations between perceived weights on psychosocial health have been inconsistent.Emotional support from peers who are going through similar experiences can provide comfort and practical tips for managing appetite changes and other challenges.Scientists also think that cancer causes the immune system to release certain chemicals into the blood.In H and N cancers, there was a consistent negative correlation between both PNI and albumin levels with weight loss, alongside positive associations with NLR and neutrophil levels.On the other hand, the intensity of inflammation is not the same in all cancer types, which not only may be responsible for differences in the severity of malnutrition but is also reflected in the levels of inflammatory biomarkers.Early menopause may decrease your metabolism and cause weight gain. Oftentimes, the things you do to maintain your overall health will also help your bones. Your provider will help you find a combination of treatments that’s best for your unique needs. Some fractures, like broken hips, can have a big impact on your life. Your provider will monitor any changes in your bone density and will adjust your treatments as needed. Your cancer care team will talk with you about why you are losing weight. If you have lost a lot of weight and are having trouble eating enough to keep your weight up, you might have something called cancer cachexia. Many people with cancer lose weight. Weight changes, either loss or gain, are common during cancer treatment. People with cachexia lose muscle and often fat as well. It involves changes in the way your body uses proteins, carbohydrates, and fat. It is a complex problem that is more than a loss of appetite. Understanding why cancer causes weight loss is vital for improving patient care and quality of life.These side effects can lead to a reduced intake of food and calories, resulting in weight loss.By recognizing the impact of cancer treatments, cachexia, and the emotional toll of weight loss, healthcare providers can develop comprehensive strategies to support patients throughout their journey.Medical nutrition is available in a range of flavours and formats including milkshakes, juice style, yoghurt style, powders and desserts.Additionally, weight loss can continue into the recovery phase of treatment, especially if the patient experiences long-term side effects.Consulting with a healthcare team specializing in oncology and nutrition can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the weight loss journey.The risk of malnutrition varies depending on the type of cancer, and even among patients with the same diagnosis, the severity of malnutrition can vary greatly.The terms excess body weight, overweight, and obesity can be used to describe an increased level of fat in the body. Additionally, cancer can cause changes in appetite and taste preferences, resulting in reduced food intake. Cancer cells have high energy demands and can disrupt the normal metabolic processes of the body, leading to increased energy expenditure and decreased nutrient absorption. It arises when abnormal cells in the body grow and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors or invading nearby tissues. If you start to lose your appetite, talk with your doctor or registered dietitian. When you have appetite loss, eat every 2 to 3 hours and have snacks that are high in calories and protein. Besides chemotherapy and radiotherapy, BMI can also impact outcomes of surgery (if surgery is required7). Cancer research shows any significant changes to BMI from the point of diagnosis, can result in the person diagnosed, receiving a suboptimal dose, or it could delay treatment altogether6. Weight loss can be worsened by low appetite, nausea and taste changes, including when normal foods take on a metallic flavour, all of which can reduce food intake5. In addition, there are endocrine factors, such as low testosterone, that can cause changes in body composition and a decrease in weight in male patients with certain cancers or on chronic opioid therapy. Whether it’s due to pain from a growing tumor, swallowing difficulties caused by radiation therapy, or the nausea, loss of appetite or mouth sores that are sometimes caused by chemotherapy, involuntary weight loss is a serious side effect of cancer and its treatment for many patients. When started early with a cancer diagnosis, an oral nutritional supplement can contribute to weight maintenance, support continued cancer therapy and can provide better treatment outcomes. In H and N cancers, there was a consistent negative correlation between both PNI and albumin levels with weight loss, alongside positive associations with NLR and neutrophil levels. This probably explains why there is no correlation between lymphocytes and body weight loss in colorectal, upper GI and H and N cancer and why no association was found between BMI and inflammatory biomarkers. We then investigated the correlation of inflammatory indices (PNI, NLR, PLR) and immune-related cells (lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets) with nutritional status. Cachexia affects various aspects of the body, including muscle, fat, and metabolism. In some cases, chemotherapy can also affect the taste and smell of food, making it less appealing to patients. Each type has its unique characteristics and requires specific approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Common types include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and many others. In people with cancer, perceived weight status, rather than BMI, had greater impact on negative “beliefs and concerns” about UWL. Thus, we sought to examine subjective experiences of UWL in people with cancer, and whether perceived and/or actual weight status impacts these experiences. While healthy people can easily "clean their plates," cancer patients perceive food differently and may become overwhelmed by the volume of food in front of them. Malnutrition is defined as undernutrition and changes in body composition occurring due to the cancer itself or from the impact of treatment. We also recommend further examination of how PWS, BMI status, and misperceptions about weight status influences “beliefs and concerns” about UWL, using longitudinal or causal design studies. Further, research has shown that oncology clinicians are reluctant to discuss the topic of weight management in cancer survivorship . Individuals who underestimated their weight were also more likely to view weight loss as a sign they were approaching end-of-life Together, these findings suggest that an individual’s PWS, rather than their actual BMI, plays a greater role in shaping their “beliefs and concerns” about the consequences of UWL. Diet, exercise, pregnancy, hormonal changes and aging can all affect weight.For some patients, unintentional weight loss may begin even before a cancer diagnosis, as symptoms like nausea or inability to eat can lead to changes in eating patterns.Could it be a sign of a serious illness, like cancer?Numerous studies have investigated the association between inflammatory biomarkers and cancer prognosis, which could help in the classification of patients for certain oncological treatments.Cachexia is also called wasting syndrome or anorexia cachexia syndrome.Weight loss in cancer patients can have profound psychological effects on individuals.Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. Banks usually accept bids by phone or email, but it’s wise to go and see the vehicle in person before submitting a bid. Contact the bank directly to submit your offer. Take the ACS CancerRisk360™ assessment to learn more about what you can change to improve your health. Cancer often causes a loss of appetite (anorexia) or nausea, both of which reduce food intake.You won’t have a headache, fever or stomachache that lets you know something in your body is wrong.Some body changes that occur with weight loss suggest it may, indeed, reduce cancer risk.The prognostic nutritional index, NLR, PLR, albumin, %BWL, %DI, and CRP were significantly different in disseminated cancer than in patients with local disease (Table 5).If you gain weight during your cancer treatment, let your doctor know so they can assess the cause and type of weight gain.By addressing the underlying factors and implementing a comprehensive care plan, patients can optimize their overall health and well-being during cancer treatment. How Does Weight Loss Affect Treatment? This pressure can make patients feel full even if they eat less. Tumors near the abdomen, like ovarian cancer, can press on the stomach. Patients with nausea may have little or no appetite and may be unable to keep food down. Nausea, a common side effect of cancer, also plays a role. They can disrupt normal metabolism and interfere with hormones that control appetite. Encouraging a variety of foods can help meet both caloric and nutritional needs while also catering to the patient’s fluctuating taste preferences caused by treatment side effects.Creating an inclusive and supportive environment, integrating mental health services, and promoting self-care strategies are integral to the comprehensive care of cancer patients experiencing weight loss.In fact, decreased appetite or appetite loss is a main cause of malnutrition in people with cancer.Why the white fat is turned into brown fat is unknown, but it commonly occurs in cancer patients and causes an increase in the body’s resting energy needs.For example, she notes that people receiving radiation therapy may have higher calorie or protein needs.Coupled with changes in taste and smell, these symptoms can discourage even the most determined individuals from maintaining their dietary intake, leading to further weight loss. When we eat more calories than our body burns, we gain weight. And you may gain weight if you have a different type of cancer. These are medicines that increase appetite and can cause weight gain. Your dietitian can help you and your family manage your weight loss. Upper digestive system cancers include cancers in the throat, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. Understanding the experiences of people with UWL, and in particular, whether and how PWS impacts these experiences, has the potential to guide development of tailored support and programs to promote psychosocial well-being in people with cancer. Understanding the subjective experience of patients with early UWL for across the trajectory of cancer care, including their unique concerns, has the potential to guide the development of supportive resources and programs tailored to address patient needs and improve psychosocial outcomes. Unintentional weight loss (UWL) is frequently reported in people with cancer, and while it can affect individuals across all cancer stages and types, it is most commonly experienced in lung, upper-gastrointestinal cancer, and advanced cancer populations . Ms. Hager recommends that cancer patients be screened upon admission to the oncology service and routinely throughout the treatment regimen. Why is it so hard to lose weight and keep it off? So your body can't use glucose from your blood for energy. It is a complex process that involves several organs and systems in the body. Scientists still don't know what exactly happens in cachexia. Notably, individuals with a normal-range BMI were more likely to report feeling anxious or worried about their weight loss, and that their weight loss made them feel physically weak, compared to those with a BMI status of overweight/obese.When you have appetite loss, eat every 2 to 3 hours and have snacks that are high in calories and protein.Even if a patient maintains their caloric intake, the metabolic changes induced by treatment can still result in weight loss.Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are common side effects of these treatments.Sometimes, weight loss is the first symptom people notice when they have cancer.Medical nutrition (or ONS) are specially designed foods and drinks that help people with disease-related malnutrition meet their nutritional needs, providing the extra energy, protein, vitamins and minerals they need.For example, endocrine neoplasia and hormonal disorders specialist Sonali Thosani, M.D., notes GLP-1 products may make treatment side effects like nausea and vomiting harder to manage.It differs from simple malnutrition, as it involves metabolic changes that lead to muscle and fat depletion, even when caloric intake is sufficient.The goals for energy provision were 30 kcal/day per kg of body weight, based on ESPEN guidelines on nutrition in cancer patients . Having diet problems when you have cancer can affect you emotionally. Your doctor will want to find out the cause if you are losing weight without dieting. Weight loss is more common in some cancer types. Scientists think that cancer releases chemicals into the blood. However, weight loss, a common side effect of cancer and its treatment can leave the body weak1. It is important to note that the management of weight loss in cancer patients should be tailored to each individual’s specific needs and medical condition. Early detection and intervention, along with a comprehensive management plan, can help mitigate the impact of cachexia and improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients. The treatment of cachexia involves a multidisciplinary approach, including nutritional support, pharmacological interventions, and physical exercise. What causes weight loss? We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. The inflammatory biomarkers that are being studied may be caused by various factors that have been consistently linked to a higher risk of cancer. The prognostic nutritional index is one of the oldest inflammatory biomarkers used to predict cancer progression . Cancer cachexia affects the quality of life and makes cancer treatments more difficult to tolerate. Malnutrition can cause you to be weak, tired, and not able to fight infection or even finish cancer treatment. In fact, decreased appetite or appetite loss is a main cause of malnutrition in people with cancer. Malnutrition can be caused by the cancer itself, the side effects of cancer treatment, or both. Additionally, addressing the underlying causes of weight loss, such as controlling nausea or managing pain, is crucial. Nutritionists or dietitians can help design personalized meal plans that are rich in calories and nutrients, aiming to combat the effects of weight loss. This condition can affect the patient’s prognosis and quality of life, making it a critical topic for healthcare providers to address. In our study, a significant association was found between PNI and the likelihood that the cancer had spread. Platelets are versatile cells that change shape, produce proteins, and release metabolites for cell cross-talk and paracrine regulation. In summary, the impact of inflammation is strong, but it is not the only factor. Chronic inflammation is estimated to be responsible for around 7–25% of all cancer cases 42–44. Why Is Weight Loss Concerning? Unintended weight loss can result from persistent or chronic diarrhea.One of the primary factors contributing to weight loss in cancer is the metabolic alterations induced by the disease.Nausea, a common side effect of cancer, also plays a role.In other words, the severity of inflammation may explain why some patients with the same cancer diagnosis experience more severe weight loss and shorter survival than others.When the body fights cancer cells, the immune system releases substances called cytokines that increase inflammation in the body.Individuals aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of cancer were eligible to participate.Good nutrition is all about getting the balance right - the balance of nutrients that a patient’s body needs to function well, to cope with treatment and to keep as active as possible. Anxiety can lead to weight loss by causing a general loss of appetite. This may be related to cancer treatments and/or the cancer itself. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation may result in conditions that can cause weight loss. Chemotherapy, a systemic treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells, can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. While the primary goal of these treatments is to target and eliminate cancer cells, they can also affect healthy cells and bodily functions, including metabolism and nutrient absorption. One of the primary factors contributing to weight loss in cancer is the metabolic alterations induced by the disease. The connection between cancer and weight loss is multifactorial and involves various mechanisms that contribute to the loss of body weight. Through this knowledge, we can develop strategies to manage weight loss in the context of cancer and improve the overall well-being of patients. Poorer physical functioning has been reported in response to UWL in people with cancer . Over one-third misperceived their weight, with 29% perceiving weight status as below their BMI status. Participants completed an online survey that included the FAACT Anorexia-Cachexia subscale, and 19 items that captured six themes related to “beliefs and concerns” (positive beliefs, psychosocial impact, physical impact, cancer outcomes, self-esteem, relationships with others). Patients who tolerate liquids better than solids should consume liquids that are calorically dense and nutritionally adequate, she added. A formal nutrition assessment helps to evaluate the characteristics of the malnutrition, and will help in developing a plan for modifying or preventing the underlying factors. In cancer survivors, excess weight has been identified as a risk factor for recurrence, second primary cancers, reduced treatment efficacy, increased treatment complications, and poorer survival 35–38. Not surprisingly, those with a PWS of overweight or obese were more likely to report that their healthcare team was supportive of their weight loss. These findings further suggest that a BMI status of healthy weight alone may inaccurately predict an individual’s beliefs about their weight loss in response to cancer. People who perceived themselves as underweight also had poorer psychosocial outcomes and reported negative impact of weight loss on relationships with their family and healthcare clinicians. LeafyBark isn’t just a source of information; it’s a community where health-conscious individuals connect and thrive. Moreover, calorie-dense options like smoothies or shakes can be a great way for patients to consume more nutrients in a manageable form, especially if they struggle with solid foods. Incorporating healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, and nut butters can also increase caloric intake without overwhelming the digestive system. It differs from simple malnutrition, as it involves metabolic changes that lead to muscle and fat depletion, even when caloric intake is sufficient. Visit a healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your body that might be osteoporosis warning signs. Your bones are usually dense and strong enough to support your weight and absorb most kinds of impacts. Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States, 2019. Navigate our resources on eating well and staying active during and after cancer treatment. Psychological Aspects of Weight Loss in Cancer Cancer-related weight loss, often referred to as cachexia, is a condition characterized by a significant reduction in body weight, muscle mass, and fat. For many patients, unexpected weight loss can be one of the first noticeable signs of cancer, leading to questions, anxiety, and further medical investigations. Weight loss is a common and often distressing symptom for many cancer patients, significantly impacting their overall well-being. It is therefore important that cancer patients maintain weight to give themselves the best chance possible. Weight loss treatments include behavioral therapy, weight loss surgeries, and anti-obesity medicines. If you have excess weight, the best way to get to a healthy body weight is to limit the calories you take in and burn more calories through physical activity. The best way to stay at a healthy body weight is to balance how much (and what) you eat with how active you are. But changes in health or lifestyle can disrupt this balance, leading to weight gain and making weight loss more challenging. These and other hormones work together to regulate hunger, appetite, and body weight. What types of cancer cause the most weight loss? Addressing weight loss in cancer patients requires a multifaceted approach involving nutrition and supportive care. Managing weight loss during cancer treatment requires a multi-faceted approach, combining nutritional support, symptom control, and medical interventions. While we still have much to learn about the link between weight loss and cancer risk, people with excess body weight should be encouraged and supported if they try to lose weight. Some 40% to 80% of cancer patients will experience malnutrition at some point during treatment, and a loss of as little as 6% of body weight can predict reductions in treatment response, survival, and quality of life (Bruera, 1997; Shike, 1996). Other factors that may cause appetite loss and weight loss during cancer treatment include anxiety, pain, depression, and fatigue. Advanced practitioners should anticipate treatment-related side effects that may impact nutritional intake and weight status, and take steps to mitigate them (Table). Dose reductions and holding or terminating treatment all have negative impacts; therefore, it is vital that patients maintain performance status and weight, as those factors may determine decisions about treatment. However, studies show that reduced appetite alone is not enough to explain weight loss in cancer, and, indeed, not all people with cachexia have reduced appetite. Although many people with cancer have appetite loss and lose weight, you may gain weight during cancer treatment. It deals with the frequency of cancer-induced anorexia (loss of appetite) and cachexia (wasting disease) in patients with anxiety and depression, and assesses body composition and takes other mitigating factors into account. Your registered dietitian is your nutrition expert. Learn more about tube feeding and IV nutrition at Nutrition During Cancer Treatment. Here are tips to prevent malnutrition. Studies show that malnutrition can decrease your quality of life and become life-threatening. Your team is there to support you and help you manage these challenges. Nutritional status closely relates to carcinogenesis, cancer growth, tumor progression, and prognosis . In a study by Baracos et al., the risk of developing cachexia was assessed for different types of primary tumors. The intensity of inflammation may be responsible for the severity of malnutrition and cancer prognosis. Losing weight for no clear reason does not mean you have cancer, however. Weight loss can be a symptom of cancer or a side effect of treatment or the illness itself. However, unexplained weight loss is not normal and raises questions. Cancer cells are highly active and demand more energy than healthy cells. Additionally, GLP-1 drugs can lead to significant weight loss and muscle loss which may make chemotherapy tougher to tolerate. They can be taken between meals to support and boost the amount of nutrition consumed each day, or can be used if you are unable to eat at all, as some can be taken as a sole source of nutrition. Oral nutritional supplements come in a range of flavours and formats from nutritionally complete shakes to delicious ready-to-eat desserts. For different reasons these cancers affect the ability of the those diagnosed to consume and digest food effectively2. The oncologist is the doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, about 60% of people with lung cancer experience a loss of appetite and significant weight loss by the time they are diagnosed. Weight loss during cancer, particularly loss of lean body mass, can have a negative impact on the health of a patient, increasing the rate of complications and affecting the success of both treatment and recovery17-19. Medical nutrition, particularly if given to patients early in their cancer journey, has been clinically proven to reduce weight loss. Although weight loss is common in cancer, eating less can mean the body may not get the energy, protein and other nutrients it needs at a time when it needs to be at its strongest to undergo treatment. Decrease appetite can be caused by pain, nausea, vomiting, changes in taste, and mouth sores from radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Science is still in the early stages of finding out what these substances are and how they cause this cancer-induced wasting syndrome. Current research indicates that multiple factors are involved. Scientists are beginning to work out some of the mechanisms responsible for muscle wasting and fat loss in cancer. Many cancer treatments can cause fatigue and pain, making it hard to be active. Some cancers may cause weight gain due to the size of the tumor or the buildup of fluid. Each person is different, so even if you have one of these cancers, it does not mean you will gain weight. According to the American Cancer Society, significant weight loss happens most often with cancers that affect the stomach, pancreas, esophagus and lungs. When cancer causes severe weight loss, it is called cancer cachexia. This is because these drugs may impact certain cancer treatments and side effects. Curious as to why weight maintenance or even gaining weight may be recommended for some cancer patients? The prognostic nutritional index, NLR, PLR, albumin, %BWL, %DI, and CRP were significantly different in disseminated cancer than in patients with local disease (Table 5). In a cross-sectional observational study, we retrospectively analyzed the medical records of consecutive adult patients admitted for cancer treatment in a major oncology hospital and referred to a clinical dietitian January – June 2023. However, there is limited information on the link between inflammatory biomarkers and the severity of malnutrition in cancer patients, despite them being among the criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition. In addition, these studies predominantly focus on people with advanced , head and neck , or lung cancer.For example, excess body weight is thought to be a factor in more than half of all endometrial cancers, whereas it is linked to a smaller portion of other cancers.Additionally, GLP-1 drugs can lead to significant weight loss and muscle loss which may make chemotherapy tougher to tolerate.Nurse navigators play a crucial role in guiding cancer patients through their care journey."Nutrition is extremely important in the cancer treatment and recovery process," said Ms. Hager, who spoke at JADPRO Live at APSHO.This can make it hard to lose weight and keep it off, even with diet and exercise.Need a primary care doctor or a specialist? Excess body weight is also linked with about 7% of all cancer deaths. Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) that leads to weight loss can help manage or even reverse some health conditions. Talk with your health care team or cancer care team about which options might work best for you. Many people are looking for ways to get help with weight loss. A gap exists in understanding whether and how perceived and/or weight status impacts experiences of UWL. Early recognition is important for preventing cancer cachexia, as severe malnutrition progresses to this. Nutrition screening and surveillance can identify patients who are experiencing or at risk for malnutrition. Biochemical Factors Be sure to tell your care team if you are using a type of injectable weight-loss medication called GLP-1 agonists. Instead, she recommends speaking to your care team about your health goals. “Your BMI or weight should not be the only indicator that weight loss would be beneficial,” Reinsborough says. Body Mass Index (BMI) calculators are a popular way to get an idea of if you are underweight, overweight or at a healthy weight; all you need to do is plug in your height and weight. That’s why it can help to talk to a dietitian or doctor about losing weight during treatment. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. The concentration of acute phase proteins and inflammatory biomarkers reflects the severity of inflammation, which can affect the intensity of malnutrition, outcomes of oncological treatment, and its complications. These factors include, but are not limited to, tobacco abuse , overweight or obesity , sedentary lifestyle , and experiencing persistent or temporary infection 48, 50. They can enhance cancer-related blood coagulation, protect tumor cells from immune responses, and promote cancer growth and dissemination . Elevated platelet counts are observed in 10–57% of patients with cancer, with the number varying depending on the cancer type .