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| This condition is included in the report of anyone who has (or has had) a known cancer, or who may be at greater risk of developing it. It contains general recommendations that may be useful in dealing with a wide range of cancers. When an increased risk of cancer is suggested, taking appropriate actions early on can lower this risk. Prognosis As a general principle, when weight loss has occurred or is significant prior to the start of chemotherapy, the survival rate is reduced. The prognostic effect of weight loss prior to chemotherapy was analyzed using data from over 3,000 patients enrolled in 12 chemotherapy protocols. The frequency of weight loss ranged from 31% for favorable non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to 87% for gastric cancer. Median survival was significantly shorter in 9 protocols for the patients with weight loss compared to those without weight loss. |