Guide To The Causes And Risk Factors Of Lactose Intolerance

Certain Cancer Treatments

Individuals undergoing certain cancer treatments can develop lactose intolerance as a side effect. For these patients, lactose intolerance may present after active treatment has finished too. In particular, radiation therapy to the abdominal area is associated with a strong risk of developing lactose intolerance, and it might develop due to intestinal complications following chemotherapy. Patients being treated for cancer should ask their oncology team about their individual risk of developing lactose intolerance as a side effect of their treatment, and they may wish to consult with a nutritionist about starting a lactose-free or lactose-reduced diet during their cancer treatment to minimize any painful symptoms. If necessary, doctors can prescribe medications for these patients to reduce nausea and diarrhea.