Needs, preferences, and experiences of adult cancer survivors in accessing dietary information post‐treatment: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: To support provision of healthy lifestyle information tailored to patients' needs and preferences, this review maps adult cancer survivors' self-reported needs, preferences, and experiences accessing dietary information post-treatment. Methods: A scoping review of research published within the past decade conducted using PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Seven databases were searched in June 2020. Results: Of 15,973 articles identified, 57 met eligibility criteria. Studies most frequently included survivors of breast cancer (49%), persons aged 40+ years (95%), ≤5 years post-diagnosis (54%), and residing in North America (44%). Cancer survivors commonly identified needing information regarding healthy eating, particularly practical skills, and support in changing dietary behaviours. Preferences included specific recommendations, direct communication with healthcare professionals, and peer support from other cancer survivors. In practice, survivors frequently reported receiving generic advice from healthcare professionals, limited dietary follow-up, and lack of referral to support. Unmet needs in healthcare settings led to dietary information-seeking elsewhere; however, survivors indicated difficulty identifying credible sources. Personal beliefs and desire for involvement in care motivated dietary information-seeking post-treatment. Conclusion: Cancer survivors' experiences accessing dietary information post-treatment do not align with needs and preferences. Less is known about survivors who are young adults, >5 years post-diagnosis, and living in rural areas.

Information needs and preferences among rural cancer survivors in Queensland, Australia: a qualitative examination

“…In line with past evidence, participants in the current study indicated that the provision of information on maintaining general health after a cancer diagnosis tended to be less common than that pertaining to diagnosis and treatment 2,30,38 and cancer survivors commonly identified wanting information regarding healthy eating, physical activity and behaviour change support. Previous studies have suggested that rural cancer survivors desire specific advice on what health behaviours could aid recovery, as well as knowledge and information about how to resume and achieve a good quality of life post‐treatment, 4,19,38 but this information is often missing in traditional, specialist‐led models of survivorship care and may be better addressed in shared care models 39,40 . Health systems are known to already face resource and time barriers to developing and implementing cancer survivorship care, and this may be particularly problematic for cancer survivors living in rural areas 41 .…”

Dietitian encounters after treatment for ovarian cancer

“…We also identified potential gaps in care; women with poorer diet quality pre-diagnosis were less likely to report a dietitian encounter at any time-point post-treatment. Given that higher adherence to the WCRF/AICR recommendations for cancer prevention has been associated with better quality of life among cancer survivors, 18,19,49 and cancer survivors frequently report a need for support in changing dietary behaviours post-treatment, 50 women with poorer diet quality pre-diagnosis may benefit from dietitian support after cancer treatment.…”

American Cancer Society nutrition and physical activity guideline for cancer survivors

“…In an effort to learn about healthy behaviors after cancer, many survivors turn to the internet for information. 137,138 Evidencebased information on nutrition and physical activity for cancer survivors is available online through sources such as the ACS, ACSM, and AICR. However, there is also a plethora of misinformation on internet sites-and on social media sites in particular.…”

“…Most cancer survivors prefer to receive information about diet, alcohol, weight management, and physical activity from their health care team, 17,138,142 and such discussions can positively influence behavior changes. 143,144 However, culturally appropriate and relevant resources are often lacking.…”