Hidden Cause of Lung Cancer Deaths

OK. “Hidden” isn’t the right word. But if I asked a number of people to list something that causes 20 to 40% of lung cancer deaths, the correct answer would likely be “hidden” below many other suggestions. Malnutrition, after all, is something that happens in developing countries. Certainly not among lung cancer survivors in the United States.

According to the National Cancer Institute, cachexia, a wasting syndrome that includes weight loss, loss of muscle mass, and loss of appetite, is the cause of death in 20 to 40% of cancer patients.

This statistic grabbed me deeply today – Memorial Day. My thoughts of those who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom turned to thoughts of the tremendous war lung cancer survivor’s are fighting. We have an arsenal of treatments, and a good understanding about measures that can keep our warriors strong during battle. Inadequate nutrition should not cause this many casualties in the cancer field.

Part of the problem is related to the symptoms of cancer and treatment side effects: nausea, mouth sores, taste changes, fatigue. And part of the problem is the cancer itself: changes in metabolism caused by cancer, that can make the protein and calories we ingest insufficient.

So what can we do this Memorial Day to make a difference for ourselves or our loved ones?

• Talk to your doctor or your loved ones doctor about nutrition. It’s estimated that 60% of those with lung cancer have already lost weight at the time of diagnosis. Ask about nutrition at each visit.
• Talk with a nutritionist who specializes in cancer. Many cancer centers now have nutritionists on staff. Working with a cancer nutritionist involves much more than learning about the 4 food groups and calorie intake -- cancer survivors can lose weight even with adequate calories. These people can help design a nutrition plan specifically for you.
• Address any underlying problems that are interfering with a healthy diet, such as nausea, fatigue, and taste changes.

Further reading

• Coping With Loss of Appetite
• Coping With Mouth Sores
• Coping With Taste Changes
• Coping With Nausea and Vomiting
• Coping With Cancer Fatigue

Photo: flickr.com, user fromcolettewithlove

_Source:

National Cancer Institute. Nutrition in Cancer Care PDQ. Overview. Health Professional Version. 05/01/09. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nutrition/HealthProfessional/page2