Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Smoking is the major risk factor for a lung cancer. Therefore, quitting smoking reduces your risk for lung cancer dramatically, but it does not eliminate the risk. Besides smoking, there are other risk factors -- for example, asbestos and radon exposure. Certain foods can decrease or increase the risk for lung cancer. For people who have lung cancer and are undergoing treatments, proper nutrition can prolong life, improve quality of life and make treatment more effective.
Foods That Can Increase the Risk of Lung Cancer
Large amounts of arsenic in drinking water increase the risk of lung cancer. Make sure that the arsenic content in water you drink and cook with is within established acceptable limits. There is some evidence suggesting that eating too much red meat and processed meats, such as hot dogs, ham and bacon, can also cause lung cancer. Another food group that can potentially increase lung cancer risk is fat in large amounts and, more specifically, butter. However, additional research is needed to confirm these findings.
Foods That Can Decrease the Risk of Lung Cancer
Some foods can, to a certain degree, protect against lung cancer. Fruits and vegetables can reduce lung cancer risk. In the August 31, 2010, issue of the "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention," Frederike Buchner presented research findings suggesting that, "Independent from quantity of consumption, variety in fruit and vegetable consumption may decrease lung cancer risk." Carotenoid-containing foods, such as carrots, tomatoes, red peppers, peaches and sweet potatoes offer the most protection. Another anti-cancer food component comes from cruciferous vegetables. Therefore, it is wise to eat broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts at least on a weekly basis.
Nutrition During Treatment for Lung Cancer
Good diet is essential for people with cancer. Proper nutrients provide the body with the strength to fight the cancer and side-effects of the treatment. Most important is to eat enough calories to maintain weight. Even overweight people should not lose weight while receiving treatment for lung cancer. Fat is the most calorie-dense nutrient; therefore, it is good to include more high-fat foods in the diet to increase caloric intake during the treatment. However, the most crucial nutrient in the lung cancer diet is protein. Try to include plenty of protein-rich foods with every meal and snack. Examples of foods high in protein are meats, poultry, dairy, beans, nuts and fish. In addition to protein, fish is a source of fish oil that can offer extra benefits. Research published in February 2011 in the journal "Cancer" reported that fish oil helps to preserve weight and muscle mass in patients with lung cancer and can make chemotherapy more effective. Foods such as milkshakes, ice-cream and puddings are low volume and high in both calories and protein, and can be substituted for a meal if you don't feel like eating. Drinking plenty of fluids is important to keep the body hydrated, especially during chemotherapy and radiation. Try to choose fluids with some additional calories and nutrients, such as juices and milk, instead of water.
Nutrition for Cancer Survivors After Treatment
After treatment and recovery, it is essential for cancer survivors to follow the recommendations for cancer prevention, including eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, sufficient amounts of protein and small-to-moderate amounts of healthy fats.
References
- "Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective"; World Cancer Research Fund / American Institute for Cancer Research; AICR, 2007
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention"; Variety in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and the Risk of Lung Cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition; Frederike Buchner et al.; September 2010
- "BMC Cancer"; Cruciferous Vegetables Intake is Inversely Associated with Lung Cancer Risk Among Smokers: a Case-Controleed Study; Li Tang et al.; 2010
- "Cancer"; Nutritional Intervention with Fish Oil Provides a Benefit Over Standard of Care for Weight and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Patients with Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy; Rachel Murphy et all.; Feb 28, 2011
