Diet and Behavior Modifications by Long-term Rectal Cancer Survivors to Manage Bowel Dysfunction-Associated Symptoms*

Abstract

Background: Rectal cancer (RC) survivors experience significant bowel function issues after treatment. We aimed to describe self-reported dietary and behavioral modifications among long-term (≥ 5 years) RC survivors to manage bowel dysfunction. Methods: RC survivors from Kaiser Permanente Northern California and Northwest regions completed surveys either via postage-paid return mail or telephone. Summary statistics on diet/behavioral modifications data were tabulated by proportion of responses. Modifications and frequency of bowel symptoms cited and were compared by ostomy status. Results: A total of 575 respondents were included (overall response rate = 60.5%). Fruits and vegetables were troublesome for symptoms, but was also helpful in mitigating constipation, obstruction, and frequency, as well as improving predictability. Many respondents attributed red meat (17.7%), fried foods (13.9%), spicy foods (13.1%), carbonated beverages (8.0%), and sweets (7.6%) to increased diarrhea, gas, and urgency. Common behavioral modifications included controlling meal portions (50.6%), timing regularity (25.3%), and refraining from late night eating (13.8%). Permanent ostomy survivors were more likely to report symptoms of obstruction, while anastomosis survivors were more likely to report urgency. Conclusions: Multiple modifications were attempted by RC survivors to manage bowel symptoms. Identifying diet changes among RC survivors can improve symptom management and survivorship care.

Inhibition of DNAJC12 Inhibited Tumorigenesis of Rectal Cancer via Downregulating HSPA4 Expression

“…Patients with advanced RC often have a worse prognosis than patients in the early stage due to the deterioration of their condition, tumor cells undergo metastasis and invasion, which seriously affect the physical health and life safety of patients [ 4 ]. Investigations have shown that RC is associated with diet, lifestyle, and genetic heritability in the population, but the specific pathogenesis remains unknown [ 5 , 6 ]. Therefore, it is beneficial for the prevention and treatment of rectal cancer to study the related factors affecting the occurrence and development of RC from the molecular level and find new therapeutic targets.…”

Rationale and Design of a Telehealth Self-Management, Shared Care Intervention for Post-treatment Survivors of Lung and Colorectal Cancer

“…Common late and long-term effects of treatment include oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy, bladder dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and chronic diarrhea [ 19 , 20 ]. Bowel dysfunction is common among survivors of rectal cancer and is associated with frequent and erratic bowel movements, fecal incontinence, soiling, gas, bloating, and oscillations between diarrhea and constipation [ 21 , 22 ]. Persistent bowel symptoms lead to reduced social activities, poor emotional well-being, and decrements in QOL [ 23 ].…”

Rural and Urban Differences in Vegetable and Fruit Consumption Among Older Cancer Survivors in the Deep South: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study

“…Current literature on V&F consumption among survivors with GI cancers report that although certain V&F might be helpful in managing specific GI complications, other V&F can exacerbate symptoms. For example, recent research of Sun and colleagues 56 on 575 survivors with long-term rectal cancer found that V&F were considered helpful for bowel symptoms, whereas their earlier work among 856 ostomy and anastomosis surgical patients found lower intakes of vegetables such as corn, onions, and lettuce. 57 Therefore, although overall differences in V&F intake may not exist among survivors of GI cancers compared with other cancers, intake of specific V&F may still differ.…”