Integrative approaches to lung cancer

Lung cancer, constituting 12% of all cancer cases, is the second most prevalent malignancy in the United States. It stands as the primary cause of cancer-related mortality among both men and women, contributing to almost 18% of all cancer deaths. The high mortality rate linked with lung cancer often results in considerable emotional and psychological distress for patients. To manage this distress during and after treatment, many patients turn to integrative medicine(IM). This chapter examines the current knowledge, research gaps, and challenges involved in integrating IM into lung cancer prevention, treatment, and posttreatment care. Key areas of focus include the mind-body connection, use of IM to enhance the benefits of immunotherapy, the impact of exercise, the importance of nutrition and dietary supplements, and the effectiveness of acupuncture and homeopathy. The insights presented aim to improve the dialog between patients and clinicians about the use of IM in lung cancer care, providing a basis for informed discussions and better patient outcomes.