Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - Lifestyle Changes

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. Furthermore, quitting, even after a diagnosis of lung cancer, improves your chance of survival significantly. 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.

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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. It is also important to note that while the antioxidants in foods may be protective, antioxidant supplements actually increase risk in smokers. That makes a healthy diet even more desirable.

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.