My mother’s weight loss

My mother, who is over 50 years old, has been losing weight recently even though she is eating well. We don’t have money to take her to the hospital. I will appreciate it if you can tell me the kinds of tests we can do to know what is wrong with her in order to adequately treat her.
Simisola (by SMS)

Weight loss in anybody especially in a 50-year-old plus is something to be taken very seriously. This is because of the large number of possible causes that range from HIV infection to cancer, among others. And even though you don’t have money, your mother still needs to see a doctor who will be able to know the appropriate tests to order for your mother. Some of these tests can be done at a subsidised rate in any government hospital nearest to you.