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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Losing Weight Despite Proper Diet. Family History Of Cancer. Need To Worry?

I recently went on a high protein diet and lost 17 lbs over a period of 3.5 months, from 132 lbs to 115 lbs. I'm 5'3" tall. During that time, my diet comprised mainly of egg whites, lean red and white meats, fish, tofu, plenty of low-dat yogurt, 2 tbsps of oat bran per day, and lettuce and greens on alternate days. Since a month ago, I have been eating normal again and have introduced fruits and carbohydrates (part complex and part simple) back to my diet, but my weight is still dropping, which gets me worried, because "Losing weight without intending to" is a symptom of cancer. My mother lost weight before she was diagnosed with cancer. I've read a lot about how eating red meats and diary are bad for the health and might cause cancer (the casein in the diary and the increase of acidity brought about by the high-protein foods). Other than losing a further 2.5 lbs last week despite eating lots of foods, I feel otherwise healthy. Do I have a cause to be worried?
Tue, 23 Apr 2013
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi and welcome to HCM. Thank you for your querry.
Weight loss can be one of cancer sign but this is the last thing you should think of. This is usually found in stomach and colon cancer but it must be associated with pain, blood in stool and other signs.
Your weight loss is more probably caused by your dietary. Or some other disorder such as thyroid disfunction,meatbolic disorders or benign bowel diseases. So try to focus on these things first. Eat more carbohydrates and proteins or protein shakes. ANd see is there improvement after this. If not, then consult gastroenterologist. WIsh you good health.
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Losing Weight Despite Proper Diet. Family History Of Cancer. Need To Worry?

Hi and welcome to HCM. Thank you for your querry. Weight loss can be one of cancer sign but this is the last thing you should think of. This is usually found in stomach and colon cancer but it must be associated with pain, blood in stool and other signs. Your weight loss is more probably caused by your dietary. Or some other disorder such as thyroid disfunction,meatbolic disorders or benign bowel diseases. So try to focus on these things first. Eat more carbohydrates and proteins or protein shakes. ANd see is there improvement after this. If not, then consult gastroenterologist. WIsh you good health.