A presentation on nutrition and lung cancer by Em E. Biever, MS, RD, LDN, Senior Clinical Dietitian, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

1. Nutrition Considerations
while Living with
Lung Cancer
October 22, 2016
Em E. Biever, MS, RD, LDN
Senior Clinical Dietitian, Dana-Farber
Cancer Institute

2. Outline
1. The “partner” of good nutrition
2. Dietary recommendations
3. Supplements/Herbs
4. Common side effects of treatment

3. Physical Activity
• Links between PA and reduced risk of
several cancers
• Helps fight fatigue
• Helps improve insulin sensitivity,
supporting stable blood sugar
• Helps prevent loss of lean muscle
• Helps boost mood
• Nancy Campbell, exercise physiologist
617-632-4523

4. Is there a recommended diet?
• What should we be asking
when assessing a
recommended diet?
– Is it restrictive?
– Is it sustainable?
– How will it affect my/our
quality of life?

5. Is there a recommended diet?

6. Dietary Recommendations
“Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.”
-Michael Pollan, Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual

7. Dietary Recommendations
• Particular indications for
cancer patients
– Colorful, Plant-based
• Crucifers (green)
• Flavanoids (red/purple)
• Carotenoids (orange)
• Terpenes - citrus fruits
– Healthful fats, lean proteins

9. Dietary Recommendations
• Foods to limit
• Red meat
• Processed meats (bacon,
salami, sausages, bologna)
• Nutrient-poor foods

10. Are supplements beneficial?
• Consult with your care
team before starting.
• Labs checked for
deficiency prior to
initiation.

11. Herbs/Plants
Curcumin
• Active ingredient in the
dietary spice turmeric
• Possible anti-tumor and
antioxidant properties
• Caution: Inhibition of
cytochrome p450
Green Tea
• Epigallocatechin-3-gallate
(EGCG)
• May inhibit cancer cell
growth and invasion
Johnson R, Bryant S Huntley AL. Green tea and green tea catechin extracts: An overview of the clinical
evidence. Maturitas.2012;73(4):280-287.

12. Managing Side Effects

13. Managing Side Effects
• Nausea
– Remove yourself from the cooking
process/food prep
– Avoid strong smells and overly warm rooms
– Add various forms of ginger, lemon, mint
– Lemon aromatherapy
– Sit upright for eating and drinking

14. Managing Side Effects
• Taste Changes
– Cleanse your mouth
• Good oral hygiene
• Baking soda and salt
• Lemon drops, mints
– Avoid metal utensils and supplement cans
– Try foods at room temperature

15. Managing Side Effects
• Taste Changes
– Strange/Bitter Taste?
• Swish before eating
• Try neutral flavored foods: eggs, nuts, poultry, dairy
– Tastelessness
• Marinade with fruit-based or sweet sauces
• Squeeze citrus on bland tasting foods
• Sauté with onion, garlic or add curry, cinnamon,
oregano, basil

16. Managing Side Effects
• Loss of Appetite
– Take advantage of moments when you are
hungry
– Freshen your mouth before eating
– Aim for small, mini-meals with added nutrition
– Drink for comfort vs. hydration during meals
– Relax…and have your loved ones relax, too!

17. Managing Side Effects:
Aim for small, mini-meals with added nutrition

18. Managing Side Effects:
Aim for small, mini-meals with added nutrition

19. Managing Side Effects
• Diarrhea: adjust diet, minimal fiber, cooked
vegetables, skinless fruits, banana flakes,
isotonic fluids, probiotic

20. Managing Side Effects
• Constipation: adjust diet, increase fiber, raw
cacao nibs, Smooth Move tea, Benefiber,
psyllium husk powder, fluids, probiotic,
massage, yoga, physical activity

21. Finals Thoughts and Tips!

22. Resources
• www.danafarber.org/nutrition
• www.naturaldatabase.com
• www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm
• www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/
• www.danafarber.org/exercise