At 50, can quitting alcohol help in lung cancer recovery?

Question

Hello doctor,

My relative is 50 and was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, and apart from medical treatment, we want to know what lifestyle changes can help improve the overall outcome. He is ready to change diet, exercise, and daily habits if it helps with recovery.

Can lifestyle changes improve outcomes for a 50-year-old patient?
Does quitting alcohol and improving diet really make a difference in cancer recovery?
What lifestyle changes do doctors usually recommend for lung cancer patients during treatment?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

You are welcome. I wish your relative a speedy recovery. Initially, we prefer to rely on our treatment medications, whether he will receive chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on his stage and the specific regimen chosen.

Regarding lifestyle changes, the following changes can help,

The first thing is to stop smoking if he is a smoker. If there are people at home who smoke, he should stay away from them, as this is passive smoking.
He should also stop drinking alcohol and start paying attention to his diet.
His diet should include fresh fruits and fresh vegetables that are washed very well, and he should drink plenty of water.

Regarding exercise, he will not be able to do heavy exercise because he is under treatment. Therefore, it is better to do light exercise, such as simple walking.

If he wants to take any herbal treatment or herbal therapy, we do not stop that; however, all these things should go in parallel with the oncology treatment he will receive.

These measures have a positive effect, help speed up recovery, improve overall health, and also increase the effectiveness of the medications we provide.

I wish him a speedy recovery. If you have any questions at any time, do not hesitate to ask.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.