A B S T R A C T PurposeColorectal cancer survivors are at risk for poor health outcomes because of unhealthy lifestyles, but few studies have developed translatable health behavior change interventions. This study aimed to determine the effects of a telephone-delivered multiple health behavior change intervention (CanChange) on health and behavioral outcomes among colorectal cancer survivors. MethodsIn this two-group randomized controlled trial, 410 colorectal cancer survivors were randomly assigned to the health coaching intervention (11 theory-based telephone-delivered health coaching sessions delivered over 6 months focusing on physical activity, weight management, dietary habits, alcohol, and smoking) or usual care. ResultsAt 12 months, significant intervention effects were observed for moderate physical activity (28.5 minutes; P ϭ .003), body mass index (Ϫ0.9 kg/m 2 ; P ϭ .001), energy from total fat (Ϫ7.0%; P ϭ .006), and energy from saturated fat (Ϫ2.8%; P ϭ .016). A significant intervention effect was reported for vegetable intake (0.4 servings per day; P ϭ .001) at 6 months. No significant group differences were found at 6 or 12 months for HRQoL, cancer-related fatigue, fruit, fiber, or alcohol intake, or smoking. ConclusionThe CanChange intervention was effective for improving physical activity, dietary habits, and body mass index in colorectal cancer survivors. The intervention is translatable through existing telephone cancer support and information services in Australia and other countries.

BackgroundEarly adulthood represents the transition to independent living which is a period when changes in diet and body weight are likely to occur. This presents an ideal time for health interventions to reduce the effect of health problems and risk factors for chronic disease in later life. As young adults are high users of mobile devices, interventions that use this technology may improve engagement. The Connecting Health and Technology study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tailored dietary feedback and weekly text messaging to improve dietary intake of fruit, vegetables and junk food over 6 months among a population-based sample of men and women (aged 18–30 years).MethodsA three-arm, parallel, randomized control trial was conducted. After baseline assessments, participants were randomized to one of three groups: A) dietary feedback and weekly text messages, B) dietary feedback only or C) control group. Dietary intake was assessed using a mobile food record App (mFR) where participants captured images of foods and beverages consumed over 4-days at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcomes were changes in serves of fruits, vegetables, energy-dense nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). The intervention effects were assessed using linear mixed effect models for change in food group serves.ResultsYoung adults (n = 247) were randomized to group A (n = 82), group B (n = 83), or group C (n = 82). Overall, no changes in food group serves for either intervention groups were observed. An unanticipated outcome was a mean weight reduction of 1.7 kg (P = .02) among the dietary feedback only. Men who received dietary feedback only, significantly reduced their serves of EDNP foods by a mean of 1.4 serves/day (P = .02). Women who received dietary feedback only significantly reduced their intake of SSB (P = .04) by an average of 0.2 serves/day compared with controls.ConclusionsTailored dietary feedback only resulted in a decrease in EDNP foods in men and SSB in women, together with a reduction in body weight. Using a mobile food record for dietary assessment and tailored feedback has great potential for future health promotion interventions targeting diet and weight in young adults.Trial RegistrationAustralian Clinical Trials Registry Registration number: ACTRN12612000250831.

Consistent with response shift theory, the antecedents of QOL after colorectal cancer are multifactorial and include predisposing socio-demographic, medical, and psychological variables. Psychosocial interventions that target both social support and threat appraisal may be effective for this patient group. Additional stepped-up support may be needed for people from a poorer social environment who have multiple risk factors for poorer adjustment. Health system effects require further investigation.

Background: Few studies have investigated the impact of body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA) on mortality among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and the results are inconsistent. We aimed to examine the impact of these lifestyle factors on all-cause and disease-specific mortality.Methods: Population-based longitudinal study followed 1,825 patients diagnosed with stages I to Conclusions: Protective effects of being physically active and increasing that activity underlines the importance of interventions to increase activity levels among people being diagnosed with CRC.Impact: Increased mortality risks associated with being underweight or having weight loss over time is an important indicator for which clinicians, patients, and support personnel can monitor. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1410-20. Ó2011 AACR.