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.
Prevention

Nutrition for Lung Cancer Prevention

There is no evidence showing that any one food causes lung cancer. However, some studies have shown that that eating red meat, processed meat and drinking alcohol could raise your risk of lung cancer, but more studies need to be done to know for sure. 

There is also evidence to support that beta-carotene supplements may increase a person’s risk of lung cancer if they have a smoking history. Beta-carotene is a pigment found in plants that gives them their color. Always speak with your doctor before taking supplements.

Sugar does not cause lung cancer. Sugar feeds all of our cells, even the healthy ones, so it is not recommended that you avoid all carbohydrates and sugar. Your body needs carbohydrates to function. However, a diet that is high in sugar can cause you to be affected by obesity and/ or have high blood sugar levels. These conditions increase your risk of cancers like breast and colorectal cancer. They haven’t been linked specifically to lung cancer, but experts agree that it is best to eat a diet that helps you maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar level. There is research being done about the role of sugar in our body, like that of American Lung Association research grantee Jung-whan Kim, PhD. At this point, experts recommend eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed sugar to reduce overall cancer risk and fight cancer.

There is some evidence that eating a plant-based diet high in fruits and vegetables, can lower your risk of developing lung cancer, but more research needs to be done. It is hard to know exactly how many fruits and vegetables you may need to lower your risk but trying to make half of your plate fresh fruits and vegetables at meals is a good place to start. Although we don’t have strong evidence that eating this way will reduce lung cancer risk specifically, experts recommend you eat a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to reduce risk of developing other cancers and to provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

You should try to eat a reasonable amount of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, many of which are rich in antioxidants like berries, dark green vegetables, oats and fish. Antioxidant supplements have not been shown to help prevent cancer and can sometimes be harmful to your health. High-dose antioxidant supplements may also interfere with lung cancer treatments, including radiation and certain chemotherapies.

  • Eat a varied diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in red and processed meats and processed sugar to help you maintain a healthy body weight and blood sugar levels. 
  • Try to get your nutrients from your diet and not from supplements.
  • Don’t take beta-carotene if you smoke.
Treatment

Nutrition and Lung Cancer Treatment

There is no data to support that eating any one food or taking any supplement will help cure or fight your lung cancer. You should be wary of any claims that a certain food or supplement will cure your cancer.

However, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains could help you feel your best during treatment. When you are feeling good, you can tolerate treatment better and increase the chances that you will be able to stay on a treatment that is fighting your cancer.

Some patients struggle with certain treatment side effects like nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, and taste changes that can make it difficult to eat a healthy diet. Your doctor and a registered dietitian can work with you to adjust your diet to help you maintain a healthy body weight, manage your side effects and help you feel your best. Always consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement, as it could interfere with your treatment.

It depends. Each person's nutritional needs during lung cancer are different. They are based on your lung cancer treatment plan and side effects, your current height and weight, and any other illnesses you may have such as diabetes or heart disease. Here are some nutrition goals to keep in mind as you face lung cancer:

  • Maintain a healthy weight. For some people, this may mean eating enough calories to avoid weight loss and for others, it may mean safely losing weight. Your doctor can help you determine your healthy weight.
  • Get essential nutrients the body needs, mostly from food if possible. These are protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water.
  • Avoid foods that make your lung cancer treatment side effects worse. Certain foods worsen diarrhea, constipation and mouth sores.

Always talk to your doctor before taking any type of vitamin or supplement. Certain vitamins and supplements could interfere with your treatment. Individuals who smoke in particular should avoid beta-carotene as it increases their risk of lung cancer. Doctors may prescribe a multivitamin for patients who are suffering from side effects of treatment and can’t get their nutrients through food. It is recommended to try and get all of your nutrients through healthy foods and only take a supplement if you are deficient.

Right now, the diet recommendations are not different for someone on an immunotherapy or targeted drug. If you have any side effects from your treatment, talk to your doctor who will help you manage them

When you are receiving treatment for lung cancer, your immune system may not be at its best, which puts you at a greater risk of infection. Follow these general guidelines when preparing food:

  • Wash hands thoroughly before eating
  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
  • Use special care in handling raw meats, fish, poultry and eggs
  • Clean anything that has touched raw meat
  • Cook food to proper temperatures and drink pasteurized beverages
  • Store foods promptly at low temperatures to minimize bacterial growth (below 40°F)
  • Avoid foods that may have potential bacterial contamination such as salad bars, sushi or under cooked meat
  • Contact your local health department if you are worried about water purity
  • There are no foods or supplements that will cure your cancer. Talk to your doctor before you consume anything with such claims.
  • Work with your doctor and a registered dietitian to determine your nutrition goals and what you should be eating. 
  • Reduce your risk of infection by following food safety guidelines.
Side Effects

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:

  • Ask your doctor about anti-nausea drugs and make sure you are taking them correctly.
  • Stick to clear liquids and bland, mild and cold foods. Dry, crunchy foods such as crackers and pretzels can also help.
  • Eat small meals throughout the day.
  • Ask your doctor about a juice supplement with protein.
  • Eat ginger candy and drink ginger tea. Try combining ginger and peppermint tea together.
  • The first few days after treatment are often the worst. Do the best you can and focus on getting more nutrients when the nausea and vomiting subside.
  • Take sips of fluid throughout the day. Consider electrolyte popsicles.
  • If vomiting is severe, hold off on solids altogether until you get it under control. Focus on hydration. Then start adding in one food at a time so you know what foods you tolerate better.
  • Work closely with your doctor to make sure you aren’t losing too much weight.
  • Drink shakes and smoothies with protein.
  • Add healthy fats to your foods like avocado, nut butters and olive oil.
  • Eat more often if you can.
  • Ask your doctor for a mouth rinse that you can buy or make at home.
  • Talk to your doctor about good oral hygiene.
  • Stick to cool foods, nothing too hot or too cold.
  • Eat foods that are soft, smooth and mild.
  • Drink liquids with a straw to bypass mouth sores in the front of your mouth.
  • Stay well hydrated. The amount of liquid you need is different for every person, but the recommendation is 2-3 liters a day.
  • Limit liquids before bed time if using the bathroom is interrupting your sleep.
  • Eat regularly when possible.
  • Exercise when possible. Try walking for 10-15 minutes, three times a day.

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 InspireConnect 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

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