What do I need to know about nutrition during cancer treatment?

Should you avoid sugar when you are living with lung cancer? Or should you eat anything you want? Are supplements something you need to consider? In this episode, non-small cell lung cancer survivor Diane Beall shares how she approaches nutrition, from mindful eating to her go-to snacks for low-appetite days. Thoracic oncologist Dr. Jared Weiss of the University of North Carolina joins Diane and hosts Ann Steagall and Dr. Misty Shields to discuss sugar and supplements, explain why he often recommends liberalizing a cancer patient's diet, and share practical, drug-specific nutrition tips — from managing the symptoms that come with targeted therapies to coping with taste changes on tarlatamab. “ Think hard about what you've eaten that day and maybe what you need to make up at your dinner time or after dinner or in a snack. ” - Diane Beall, non-small cell lung cancer survivor Discussed in This Episode: Diane's nutrition journey: how she built her own eating plan after diagnosis, and why she recommends every patient work with a nutritionist Getting enough protein and calories: practical, low-effort strategies for days when appetite is low Dr. Weiss's approach to nutrition in the clinic: why hydration comes first, and why correcting a true deficiency helps more than adding supplements "just in case" Sugar, supplements, and common myths: what the evidence actually says, and why more isn't always better Why liberalizing your diet can improve quality of life: Dr. Weiss explains why he often encourages cancer patients to eat the foods they enjoy Supporting a loved one through food: how care partners can help without overstepping Managing side effects through nutrition: tips for diarrhea on targeted therapies, taste changes on tarlatamab, and cancer-related fatigue Resources & Support: Ina, LUNGevity's Intelligent Nutrition Assistant LUNGevity's Virtual Meetups Learn more about Cachexia LUNGevity Online Communities LUNGevity Peer-to-Peer Program The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz See all of LUNGevity Support Services