Unexpected weight loss is a crucial indicator of cancer, particularly in older adults and those presenting with concurrent clinical features. A retrospective study of over 326,000 adults in primary care revealed that the risk of cancer is higher in men aged 50 years or older and women aged 60 years or older, with certain symptoms and abnormal blood test results increasing the predictive value of cancer. Clinical features such as abdominal pain, chest signs, and abnormal blood test results like low albumin and raised platelets were associated with various types of cancer in individuals with unexpected weight loss. This study provides important insights for guiding cancer investigations in primary care settings.
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Prioritising primary care patients with unexpected weight loss for cancer investigation: diagnostic accuracy study (update)
