Anorexia Loss of appetite is a direct consequense of the chemotherapy or irradiation. It is a major problem for parents because it is the one area they fee responsuble for, particularly when so many other facets of care are outside their control. There are in universally sucussful techniques for encouraging a sick child to eat. However, the guidelines in Chapter 45 can be helpful during the anorexic period and can prevent additional problems during the remission