Nutrition and Lung Cancer
The role of diet and lung cancer is a topic of much interest to patients and clinicians. Below are answers to some common lung cancer nutrition questions.Nutrition for Lung Cancer Prevention
Nutrition and Lung Cancer Treatment
What Should I Eat if I Am Experiencing Side Effects?
Always talk to your doctor about any side effect you are experiencing. Ask for a referral to a palliative care team, which is made up of healthcare professionals who specialize in helping patients manage their side effects. Often, there are prescription drugs that can help, in addition to diet changes. Also, the members of our Inspire Lung Cancer Online Support Community have many great tips and tricks for managing side effects.
Tips for Coping with Common Cancer Side Effects:
What Are Bland Foods?
A bland diet is made up of foods that are soft, not very spicy and low in fiber. Here are some examples:
- Low-fat dairy products
- Cooked, canned or frozen vegetables (not raw)
- Fruit and vegetable juices
- Cooked or canned fruit with the skin and seeds removed such as applesauce, canned peaches or bananas
- Bread, crackers and pasta made with refined white flour
- Rice
- Oatmeal and porridge (like Cream of Wheat®)
- Poultry, lean fish and shellfish that is steamed, baked or grilled with no added fat
- Creamy peanut butter
- Pudding and custard
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Soup, especially broth
- Weak tea (tea that is less strong or steeped for a shorter time than usual)
Download our Lung Cancer and Nutrition PDF for an overview on this topic.
Where Can I Get Help?
Nutritional Guidance: Meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who works with lung cancer patients. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist with experience in the dietary needs of people with lung cancer.
Assistance with Meals: Sometimes you or your caregiver might be too tired to shop or cook. Don't be afraid to ask friends, family, coworkers and neighbors to help prepare meals or do the grocery shopping for you. Most people you know want to help; they just don't know how or don't want to intrude. Set up one of the caregiving support apps that are available to help organize your volunteer network.
Lung HelpLine: If you have questions about lung health, including general questions about lung cancer nutrition, contact the specialists at our free Lung HelpLine by calling 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visiting Lung.org/helpline.
Patient & Caregiver Wellness Hub: Enter a compassionate space where movement, mindfulness, and valuable resources empower patients and caregivers to navigate life's journey with strength and well-being.
Lung Cancer Survivors Online Support Community on Inspire: Connect with the thousands of patients on our free online support community who may be able to offer support and nutritional tips and tricks. Always consult with your doctor before changing your diet.
Page last updated: November 5, 2024