Maintaining good nutrition during cancer treatment can be challenging, especially as side effects such as loss of appetite, nausea, or changes in taste may make eating difficult.

While diet alone does not cure cancer, a well-planned and balanced diet can support therapy, help manage side effects, strengthen immunity, and improve quality of life.

Do Not Neglect a Balanced Diet

Contributing to the general well-being of a patient, food also helps keep immune defenses strong, which may be weakened by treatment. Doctors and dietitians often recommend:

• Eating at least three meals daily.

• Having a varied and balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats.

• Taking time to eat slowly, avoiding eating on the go.

• Limiting foods high in added sugars or unhealthy fats.

• Drinking enough fluids throughout the day.

Treatment side effects can sometimes cause loss of appetite and unintended weight loss. When this happens, fatigue and weakness may worsen. It is important not to fall into this cycle of poor intake and declining health.

Choose Protein-Rich Foods

During treatment, appetite may fluctuate and weight may change. Monitoring body weight is key, and any significant change should be discussed with a doctor or dietitian.

If weight loss occurs, strategies may include:

• Eating smaller meals more frequently.

• Adding calorie-rich but nourishing ingredients like olive oil, nut butters, cheese, or yogurt to meals.

• Choosing protein-rich foods like eggs, dairy products, legumes, lean meat, chicken, fish, and soy products.

Protein supports muscle preservation and recovery, which can help reduce fatigue.

Patients struggling with appetite should avoid skipping meals, and in some cases, doctors may prescribe nutritional supplements. For more detailed advice, see the National Cancer Institute’s Nutrition in Cancer Care guide.

After Surgery, Radiotherapy, and Chemotherapy

The type of treatment often determines dietary adjustments:

• After surgical treatment: Operations involving the mouth, throat, or digestive tract may require soft or liquid diets (soups, purées, compotes, minced foods) before gradually returning to solid foods. Smaller, frequent meals are often easier to tolerate.

• Colostomy adjustments: Patients with a colostomy should avoid foods that worsen diarrhea, gas, or constipation. Keeping hydration and fiber balanced helps maintain regular bowel function.

• After chemotherapy or radiotherapy of the upper digestive tract: Swallowing may be difficult. Neutral, soft foods (puréed vegetables, yogurt, pasta, eggs) are often easier than acidic, crunchy, or very spicy foods. Extremely hot or cold drinks should also be avoided.

• After radiotherapy to the head and neck: Dry mouth is common. Drinking fluids frequently, rinsing with physician-recommended solutions, and maintaining oral hygiene help reduce discomfort and mouth sores.

• Corticosteroid therapy: If corticosteroids are prescribed, lowering excess salt intake may help manage fluid retention and blood pressure.

Managing Nausea, Vomiting, and Digestive Issues

Chemotherapy and radiation sometimes trigger nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. Helpful approaches include:

• Eating cooler or lukewarm meals to reduce food odors that can trigger nausea.

• Drinking adequate fluids to prevent dehydration from diarrhea.

• Choosing bland, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, bananas, crackers, or applesauce during nausea episodes.

• Including fiber-rich foods like vegetables, whole grains, legumes, or prunes to ease constipation unless contraindicated by a doctor.

For more practical strategies, visit the American Cancer Society’s guide on Nutrition During Cancer Treatment.

Sample Weekly Meal Plan for Cancer Patients

• For nausea or sore mouth, softer foods and smoothies are gentle and easy to swallow.

• Adjust flavors and spice levels to individual tolerance; avoid overly spicy, overly sweet, or strong-smelling items.

• Include lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu, eggs), whole grains, fruits, and vegetables each day.

• Hydrate frequently with water, clear soups, or herbal teas.

• Break meals into 5–6 small portions if appetite is low.

• Bland snacks like crackers, bananas, applesauce, and mashed potatoes are recommended for digestive comfort.

For even more ideas, check UCSF’s 7-Day Sample Meal Plan and Season Health’s Cancer Meal Plan, which offer recipes and easy adaptations.

Conclusion

Nutrition plays a critical role in supporting the body during cancer treatment. Eating well-balanced meals, focusing on protein, and adjusting foods to manage side effects can significantly improve overall well-being, energy levels, and quality of life.

Every patient’s nutritional needs are unique, so it’s essential to work with healthcare providers and dietitians for tailored recommendations.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Patients should always consult with their doctor, dietitian, or oncology care team before making significant dietary changes during and after cancer treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects approximately 0.5-1% of the global population.

While RA primarily targets the joints, it is a systemic condition that can affect multiple organs, including the lungs.

Research demonstrates that lung involvement represents one of the most common and serious extra-articular manifestations of RA, occurring in 10-30% of patients.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, particularly the synovial membrane that lines and lubricates joints.

This autoimmune process leads to chronic inflammation, resulting in joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventual cartilage and bone damage if left untreated. RA typically develops between ages 40-50 and affects women more frequently than men.

The disease is systemic, meaning it can affect organs throughout the body beyond the joints. For comprehensive information about the condition’s symptoms, causes, and treatment options, the Mayo Clinic provides detailed guidance on rheumatoid arthritis.

The synovial membrane becomes chronically inflamed, producing inflammatory substances that destroy cartilage and, over time, underlying bone.

Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect the Lungs?

Yes, rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple structures within the respiratory system, including the lung parenchyma, airways, pleura, and pulmonary vasculature.

Lung disease alone accounts for 10-20% of deaths in patients with RA. Men aged 50-70 with active RA and a history of smoking are at the highest risk for developing pulmonary complications.

Interstitial Lung Disease (RA-ILD)

Interstitial lung disease is the most common and serious pulmonary manifestation of RA.

Current research shows that the prevalence of clinically significant RA-ILD ranges from 4-10% of RA patients, with subclinical disease detected in up to 18.7% when high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is used for screening.

The Arthritis Foundation offers valuable resources on RA-related lung complications for patients seeking to understand these connections better.

In RA-ILD, chronic inflammation causes scarring and fibrosis of lung tissue, reducing the lungs’ ability to expand properly.

This results in symptoms such as progressive shortness of breath, persistent dry cough, and fatigue. The condition significantly impacts quality of life and increases mortality risk.

Pleural Disease

Pleural involvement affects the thin membrane surrounding the lungs. While small pleural effusions are found in up to 70% of RA patients at autopsy, only 3-5% develop symptomatic pleural disease.

The annual incidence of pleural effusion is approximately 0.34% in women and 1.54% in men with RA.

Symptoms of pleural disease include chest pain, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, the need for fluid drainage. Most pleural effusions are unilateral, though bilateral involvement can occur.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension develops when lung disease causes increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

Studies report varying prevalence rates, with some showing up to 21-27.5% of RA patients developing this complication. It often occurs as a consequence of underlying interstitial lung disease and may initially be asymptomatic.

Airways Disease

RA can affect both large and small airways, causing bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis, and other obstructive conditions.

Studies indicate that 39-60% of RA patients develop airway-related complications during their lifetime. These conditions result from chronic inflammation that thickens airway walls and impairs normal airflow.

Rheumatoid Nodules

Pulmonary rheumatoid nodules are benign growths that develop in the lungs of some RA patients.

These nodules are typically asymptomatic and occur in approximately 3.5-4% of patients. While generally harmless, complications such as cavitation and infection can rarely occur.

Medication-Related Lung Disease

Certain RA treatments, particularly methotrexate, have been associated with lung toxicity.

However, large population studies demonstrate that methotrexate does not significantly increase the risk of lung disease compared to the underlying RA itself.

The estimated incidence of methotrexate-induced pneumonitis is approximately 1% of RA patients starting treatment, with an overall occurrence rate of 0.3-10%.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early recognition and treatment of RA-related lung disease is crucial for optimal outcomes. Patients with RA who develop unexplained shortness of breath, persistent cough, or chest pain should undergo prompt medical evaluation.

Diagnostic approaches include:

• High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans

• Pulmonary function tests

• Blood tests for inflammatory markers

• In some cases, lung biopsy

Treatment strategies focus on controlling the underlying RA disease activity, as emerging evidence suggests that optimal RA management may reduce the risk of developing lung complications. Treatment options include:

• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to control systemic inflammation

• Immunosuppressive medications for severe cases

• Antifibrotic agents for progressive pulmonary fibrosis

• Supportive care including oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation when needed

If lung disease is suspected to be medication-related, the offending drug may need to be discontinued and replaced with an alternative treatment.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis can significantly affect the lungs through various mechanisms, with interstitial lung disease being the most common and serious complication.

Early detection and appropriate management of both the underlying RA and any pulmonary complications are essential for maintaining quality of life and reducing mortality risk.

Patients with RA should maintain regular follow-up with their healthcare providers and report any new respiratory symptoms promptly.

Medical Disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

To date, cancer remains one of the largest causes of death—taking second place to heart disease—in the United States. There are many types of cancers and, thus, risk factors that make a person more likely to develop the disease. To give you an idea of possible causes, here is the list of possible culprits behind the notorious killer.

1. Tobacco Smoking

Tobacco smoking involves products containing natural ingredients such as tobacco leaves. However, there are also other additives like cigarettes that give it flavor. These chemicals are known to contribute to the development of cancer. Some of these chemicals are nicotine, ammonia, Hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, benzene, and lead. Not only do these have cancer-causing properties, but they can also contribute to lung and heart diseases.

2. Prescription Drugs

FDA-approved medication is supposed to be safe when taken orally. What most people don’t know is that some can also contribute to the growth of cancer cells. While there is still research going on, experts have already classified cancer-causing drugs into three categories: hormone therapeutic drugs, diabetes medication, and immunosuppressive therapy. Some examples include fluoxetine, losartan, and Zantac.

Zantac, a drug produced to treat ulcers, minimizes the production of stomach acid. The drug has been taken off the market because of the dangers of taking Zantac. The FDA has recently begun investigating the drug because of the exceedingly high traces of the impurity called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable carcinogen. NDMA can cause cancers in the brain, bladder, breast, colorectal region, lung, ovaries, and more.

Patients who used Zantac and were diagnosed with stomach or esophagus cancer may qualify to file a Zantac cancer lawsuit against the manufacturers. As many patients consulted lawyers to claim compensation, Zantac has been banned in several parts of the world.

3. Diet

While food is supposed to be nourishing, any chemical additives can make food dangerous to your health. Scientists have studied chemical additives to food. It was found that some of them are potentially cancerous. One chemical, acrylamide, can be found both in tobacco and food. Animal studies involving the chemical proved that it could be transformed in the body as glycidamide that can damage DNA and raise cancer risk.

Certain processed foods also contain Nitrosodimethylamine such as beer, cheeses, bacon, and cured meats. According to Drug Injury News, NDMA can cause cancers of the blood, prostate, pancreatic, and thyroid disorders. It’s also found in Zantac that has been removed from the market for its cancer-causing component.

4. Genetics or Family History

Cancers are the result of genetic mutations. One person can be born with it or have it occur after birth. One family can also carry different types of cancers in their genetic pool. Exposure to harmful toxins could alter cells that have been born and turn into cancerous cells. Simultaneously, there’s also a theory that when stem cells become defective, they also produce cancer cells.

Lynch syndrome is one example that poses a risk of getting cancer because those with this ailment cannot repair damages to their DNA. In turn, one can develop certain types of cancers in the body.

5. Excessive Sun Exposure

Outdoor activities are generally good for the health as it allows you to be more active, but too much sun is bad because of harmful UV rays. Artificially made tanning devices are just as bad, if not worse, as they produce UV light. They can cause skin cancers such as squamous cell and basal cell cancers. For these types of cancers, those with fair skin, light eyes, fair and red hair are more at risk. Melanoma, another form of skin cancer is likely to occur with those who have large moles.

6. Bacteria

Specific types of bacteria can also cause cancer. The Helicobacter pylori can lead to ulcers for those with infections in the stomach. It can lead to stomach cancer, which is one of the most common cancer types globally. The bacteria are spread through contaminated food and water. It can also spread through mouth-to-mouth contact.

Another type is the Chlamydia trachomatis, a sexually-transmitted bacteria that can affect the female reproductive organs. Only through a pelvic exam that carriers can find out if they have the symptoms. Human papillomavirus, another STI, can potentially cause cervical cancer.

7. Chemotherapy and Radiation

Cancer treatments help a patient go into remission, but most people are unaware that the patient can also develop second cancer later on because of the same treatments.

Chemotherapy drugs are linked to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Unfortunately, the longer the treatment and the higher the doses of chemotherapy agents make the patient more susceptible to developing these two cancers years later.

It’s also why there are currently cutting-edge cancer treatments that can also help the body without experiencing adverse effects. Nanorobots, stem cells, and even specific viruses and bacteria are now being utilized as alternatives.

8. Asbestos Fibers

If you work with industrial-grade materials, you may be working with asbestos as it accounts for less than 1% of specific products’ raw materials. At that amount, it is safe to use—however, at exceeding percentages, it can potentially cause cancer. Asbestos is made up of heat-resistant flexible fibers. It is used on cement, cloth, and paper. Those who work near asbestos must wear protective gear like masks as it can remain trapped in the body when inhaled or swallowed. This substance can cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer, as well as inflammation and genetic damage that could also lead to cancer.

9. Alcohol

Alcohol drinkers are not only compromising sobriety and safety on the road. Overconsumption of alcohol is also linked to six types of cancer at the mouth, throat, liver, breast, colon/rectum, and esophagus. When the body breaks down alcohol, it becomes acetaldehyde which damages DNA. Cells can go haywire through this anomaly and can become cancerous.

Bottom-line

Cancer growth is related to genetic anomalies to outside forces like over-exposure to UV rays and bacteria. But while some causes of cancers are out of our control, it’s still worth it to exercise, eat healthy foods, and quit vices that can harm the body. Many cancers can develop in anyone. Early detection can help curb the symptoms and better your chances of beating the disease.