What should people with lung cancer eat?

Lung cancer is one of the three most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer death globally. In Vietnam, 2022 will record 26,262 new cases and 23,797 deaths from this disease.

Lung cancer is divided into two main types: small cell lung cancer, accounting for about 10 – 15%, and non-small cell lung cancer, accounting for about 85%. Non-small cell lung cancer is caused by many causes and risk factors such as tobacco, unhealthy diet, environmental pollution, chronic lung diseases…

MSc. Dr. Tran Thi Tham, Clinical Nutrition Center, Bach Mai Hospital, said that cancer patients when treated will often experience some side effects such as loss of appetite, changes in taste… leading to risk of malnutrition. It is estimated that 10-20% of cancer patients die as a result of malnutrition, not the tumor itself. Therefore, nutrition plays an important role in cancer treatment.

Malnutrition negatively affects quality of life and toxicity of treatments. Proper nutrition helps patients reduce exhaustion and limit side effects of drugs and cancer treatments. Nutrition also helps provide enough energy, enhance resistance and immunity, prevent and restore wasting conditions, and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Lung cancer patients should increase their intake of foods rich in Omega 3 and EPA such as salmon, olive oil, deep sea fish, and catfish. Eat fish 3 times a week, or you can take fish oil supplements 3g/day. Use foods rich in vitamins E, C, A, and selenium that have antioxidant properties such as carrots, green bean sprouts, tomatoes, spinach, and water spinach. Herbs and spices such as garlic, onions, chives…

At the same time, limit melons, pickled eggplants, and foods high in fatty acids such as grilled meats, smoked meats, stir-fried, fried, and roasted dishes; industrially processed and prepackaged foods such as canned goods and cold meats; Hot spices like chili, pepper…

Do not use frying oil over and over again; moldy foods such as moldy peanuts, beans, pumpkin seeds, and moldy melon seeds; Stimulants such as alcohol, beer, and cigarettes.

In particular, when losing appetite, patients should choose foods that are easy to prepare and high in natural fats, such as almonds and avocados. Regularly change new dishes. During meals, eat protein-rich foods first such as chicken, fish, beans, eggs, then eat rice, potatoes, followed by fat-rich nuts, ripe fruits…

You should eat soft, liquid foods. When experiencing a change in taste, the patient may suddenly feel that food is too bland, too salty, or has a metallic taste. If you feel it is too sweet or salty, add sour flavors like lemon. If foods have a metallic taste, you can add honey.

When suffering from inflammation of the oral mucosa or esophagus, you should consume soft foods and should not eat foods that are too hot or too cold.