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Non-small cell lung cancer - Lifestyle Changes

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Alternative Names

Lung cancer - non-small cell; NSCLC

Lifestyle Changes:

Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking improves lung function almost immediately. Some evidence suggests that the benefits for the lungs are even more significant for women who quit than for men. However, it can take 20 years or longer, particularly in heavy smokers, for the lungs to be restored to full health and the risk for lung cancer to be reduced as low as it is for nonsmokers. Quitting is extremely difficult. No one should be discouraged if they relapse. Everyone should keep trying to quit. With continued efforts, many people succeed.

The many methods of quitting smoking include counseling and support groups, nicotine patches, gums and sprays, and incremental reduction.

At this time perhaps the most effective method for quitting is a combination of the following:

Nicotine replacement products that reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
The antidepressants bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin), which reduce emotional effects and cravings associated with withdrawal, and improve abstinence rates.
The drug varenicline (Chantix), which blocks nicotine receptors in the brain. This medication is very effective, but carries a risk of psychiatric side effects. People taking varenicline, especially those with a history of psychiatric problems, should be closely monitored for changes in mood or behavior.
Professional counseling or support organizations that may, in addition to medication, help people stop smoking.

[For more information, see In-Depth Report #41: Smoking.]

While people are in the process of quitting (and afterwards), they should maintain as healthy a lifestyle as possible.

Dietary Factors

The research on diet and cancer suggests that antioxidants in certain foods may protect against the DNA damage that can lead cells to turn cancerous. It's important to note that, although studies have suggested an association between these factors and cancer risk, no cause-and-effect has been proven. Also, the overwhelming association of smoking with lung cancer makes it more difficult to exclude these and other factors. Still, it is always a good idea to eat a generally healthy diet.

Phytochemicals. Some data suggest that diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables may protect against lung cancer in both smokers and nonsmokers. Those most studied in relationship to protection from lung cancer include phytoestrogens, flavonoids, and glucosinoids.

Click the icon to see an image of phytochemicals.

Note: Studies on these chemicals are not consistent. It is unlikely that individual phytochemicals offer protection, but rather that any benefit comes from a collection of vitamins and plant chemicals contained in fruits and vegetables. Fruit, especially, appears to be protective.

Fats and Oils. Some studies have indicated that diets high in animal fats increase the risk for lung cancer. Others have suggested some protection against lung cancer comes from cod liver oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish), omega-6 fatty acids (found in flax and in soybean and canola oils), and monounsaturated oils (found in olive and canola oils). However, the ability of these substances to protect against lung cancer remains controversial, and quitting smoking remains the best advice.

Click the icon to see an image of fats and oils.

Vitamin Supplements. Even in those who eat a healthful diet, smoking reduces the levels of a number of vitamins, importantly vitamin C. There is not enough evidence, however, to support any benefit from taking antioxidant supplements, including vitamins C, E, A, folate, or beta carotene.

In fact, evidence is now suggesting that high doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene supplements may have harmful effects. The strongest studies to date on the negative effects of antioxidant supplements have reported an increase in lung cancer and overall mortality rates among smokers who took beta carotene or vitamin E supplements. This is particularly important information for smokers, who may carry precancerous or cancerous cells for years before developing the disease. The best way to get healthy levels of important nutrients is by eating healthy foods.

Click the icon to see the benefits of vitamin A.

Click the icon to see dietary sources of vitamin A.

Trace Element Supplements. Trace elements such as zinc and selenium have been studied for potential protection against lung cancer without any clear evidence to support their benefits.

Click the icon to see the benefits of selenium.

Protecting the Home against Radon

People concerned about radon in their home or area can purchase a test approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. One way to remove radon is by installing a soil suction system. It should be noted, however, that home prevention measures rarely reduce radon levels to zero. Simply sleeping by an open window reduces the risk.

Resources

www.cancer.gov -- National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.org -- American Cancer Society
www.cancercare.org -- Cancer Care
www.lungusa.org -- The American Lung Association
www.asco.org -- American Society of Clinical Oncology
www.alcase.org -- Alliance for Lung Cancer
www.lungcancer.org -- Joint project of Cancer Care and the Oncology Nursing Society
www.nccn.org -- National Comprehensive Cancer Network
www.lungcanceronline.org -- Lung cancer information
www.epa.gov/iaq/radon -- National radon information
www.clinicaltrials.gov -- Find clinical trials
www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials -- Find clinical trials

References

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Reviewed last on: 7/23/2009
Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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