How long does it usually take for people with rectal cancer to start losing weight

The time when patients start to lose weight after suffering from rectal cancer is not fixed. It depends on many factors, including tumor stage, tumor type, patient's physical condition and treatment status. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Tumor stage: Early stage colorectal cancer: Patients usually do not experience significant weight loss, because early stage tumors are smaller and consume less body weight. Mid- to late-stage colorectal cancer: As the tumor grows and spreads, the patient's weight may gradually decrease. Especially in the late stage, the tumor will consume a large amount of nutrients in the patient's body, causing rapid weight loss.

2. Tumor type: Poorly differentiated tumors grow quickly and may cause weight loss in a short period of time (such as about 6 months). Moderately differentiated tumors grow relatively slowly and may begin to affect the patient's weight around 9 months. Well-differentiated tumors grow the slowest and usually weight loss will occur after more than 1 year.

3. Patient's physical condition: Patients with good physical condition may not experience significant weight loss for a long time due to their strong body reserve capacity. Patients with weak physical condition may experience weight loss in a short time due to their limited body reserve capacity.

4. Treatment status: Patients who receive effective treatment in the early stage, such as surgical removal of the lesion, may not experience significant weight loss. Patients who do not receive timely treatment or whose treatment is ineffective may lose weight rapidly as their condition worsens.

The time when patients start to lose weight after rectal cancer varies from person to person, and it is impossible to give an exact time range. But generally speaking, as the disease progresses and the tumor is consumed, patients may experience weight loss. It is recommended that patients cooperate with doctors for treatment and seek regular medical checkups.