Objective To investigate the current status of cancer-related anorexia in chemotherapy patients, to analyze the influencing factors based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms, and to provide reference for clinical implementation of targeted interventions. Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select 286 cancer patients on chemotherapy, who were asked to fill out the general information questionnaire, the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy Anorexia/Cachexia Subscale（FAACT-ACS）, the Chemotherapy-induced Taste Alteration Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve （APGAR） Questionnaire. Results The patients scored （18.50±5.88） points in cancer-related anorexia, which was negatively correlated with chemotherapy-associated taste alterations and negative emotions, while positively correlated with family function （all P＜0.05）.Multiple regression analysis showed that gender, chemotherapy-associated taste alterations, anxiety, and family function were influencing factors for cancer-related anorexia in chemotherapy patients （all P＜0.05）, combined to explain 31.2% of the total variance. Conclusion Cancer-related anorexia is common among patients on chemotherapy.Healthcare professionals should pay attention to and identify patients who develop cancer-related anorexia, and formulate individualized interventions to alleviate anorexia symptoms during chemotherapy.