Exploring Cachexia: Severity, Functional Abilities, and Personal Experiences of Cancer Survivors through a Mixed-Methods Analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Cachexia, an involuntary weight loss and wasting of muscle, severely impairs the quality of life and treatment outcomes of survivors after cancer.

OBJECTIVES

The study opted for this mixed-method design to assess cachexia severity; functional impacts of cachexia; and lived experiences among survivors with the condition.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study carried out at a tertiary care center in Chennai was based on the scores of 60 survivors of cancer, evaluated using the Cachexia Severity Score and Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy Scale, along with semi-structured interviews for six participants.

RESULTS

The study found a significant negative correlation between cachexia severity and functional ability (r = -0.32, P = 0.01). Cachexia severity (mean: 81.65) and functional ability (mean: 7.10) indicated significant functional impairment. Qualitative interviews highlighted emotional and physical challenges, with family support and religious beliefs as coping mechanisms, emphasizing the need for holistic care.

CONCLUSION

Addressing cachexia therefore requires integrating physical rehabilitation, mental health support, and lifestyle adjustments to improve survivors' quality of life and mitigate its multidimensional impact.