Cancer and its treatment can wreak havoc on appetite and nutrient intake, just at a time when the body needs nutrients and calories most to maintain strength and health. Lung cancer develops in tissues of the lungs, and different types of treatment options can affect eating and nutrition in a variety of ways. Talking with your treatment team or a dietitian prior to starting a nutritional plan during cancer can help clarify which foods are best for the expected side effects of the treatments.
Significance
According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2010 in the United States, approximately 222,520 individuals will be diagnosed with either type of lung cancer, and more than 157,000 individuals will die from the disease. More men and women die from lung disease than any other type of cancer, says the American Cancer Society.
Types
There are two types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, says the National Cancer Institute. Non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, makes up the majority of lung cancer diagnoses, according to the American Cancer Society. Small cell lung cancer, also known as SCLC, is much less common and is also known as oat cell carcinoma or oat cell cancer, says the American Cancer Society. It is also typically caused by smoking cigarettes.
Treatment
Small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer are treated in two different ways. The National Cancer Institute lists five treatment options for small cell lung cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, laser therapy and endoscopic stent placement. There are nine treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, cryosurgery, electrocautery and watchful waiting. Depending on the stage and an individual's overall health, one or more treatment options may be used.
Nutrition During Treatment
Treatment for lung cancer can be demanding on the body, and good nutrition helps to strengthen the body and the immune system and helps promote optimal health. The American Cancer Society states that good nutrition can also help individuals to better tolerate treatment-related side effects, lower the risk of infection and enable faster healing. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer treatment can cause dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, lactose intolerance and mouth sores, all of which can affect eating and nutrition.
Cancer and Food
Some kinds of food are better tolerated than others with certain side effects of cancer treatment. For appetite loss or vomiting, the National Cancer Institute suggests foods like hot cereals, soups and broths, smoothies or milkshakes, pudding, frozen yogurt and meal supplements such as Boost. Foods that may be easily tolerated with nausea or vomiting include soups, sports drinks, plain pasta, crackers, pretzels, toast, bananas, ice cream and instant breakfast drinks. If treatment causes a sore throat or mouth sores, foods that are easy to eat are mashed potatoes, soups, stews, pureed cooked foods, milkshakes, pudding and soft boiled eggs, says the National Cancer Institute.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Lung Cancer Home Page
- American Cancer Society: Lung Cancer:Overview
- American Cancer Society: Lung Cancer: What is non-small cell lung cancer?
- American Cancer Society: Lung Cancer: What is small cell lung cancer?
- National Cancer Institute: Non-small cell lung cancer: Treatment option overview
- National Cancer Institute: Small cell lung cancer: Treatment option overview
