Impact of a functional food–oriented self-care educational program on physical activity and treatment tolerance in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31989/ffhd.v16i3.1934Abstract
Background: Cancer-related fatigue and reduced treatment tolerance are among the most debilitating consequences of chemotherapy in lung cancer patients. Emerging evidence highlights the role of functional foods and bioactive dietary components in modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction—key mechanisms underlying fatigue and physical decline during cancer treatment.
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a functional food–based self-care educational program on physical activity, fatigue, and chemotherapy tolerance among lung cancer patients.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted among 100 lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Participants received a structured self-care educational program emphasizing functional food principles, including antioxidant-rich foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and high-quality protein sources, alongside guidance on physical activity and symptom management. Outcomes related to physical activity, fatigue severity, and chemotherapy-related symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention.
Results: The intervention resulted in significant improvements in physical activity engagement and health-related behaviors. Notable reductions were observed in chemotherapy-related fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, and analgesic use (p < 0.05). Improved treatment tolerance was accompanied by enhanced dietary practices consistent with functional food recommendations.
Novelty of the Study: This study provides region-specific evidence from Iraq on the clinical impact of a structured functional food–oriented educational intervention in lung cancer patients, linking bioactive dietary principles with symptom reduction and improved chemotherapy tolerance.
Conclusion: A functional food–based self-care educational program significantly improved physical activity levels, reduced treatment-related symptoms, and enhanced chemotherapy tolerance in lung cancer patients. These findings support the integration of functional nutrition strategies into supportive oncology care to improve clinical and functional outcomes.
Keywords: Functional foods; Bioactive compounds; Lung cancer; Chemotherapy tolerance; Cancer-related fatigue; Physical activity.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Arjuman Mohamed Aziz, Yousif Mohammed Younus, Jangi sh. Salai
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