Cancer Survivors: What Are Their Information Seeking Behaviours?

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

“…Cancer survivors frequently reported a need for information regarding: (1) dietary strategies to manage cancer and treatment‐related effects (Anderson et al, 2013; Badr et al, 2017; Brown et al, 2016; Chua et al, 2020; Hardcastle et al, 2018; Hoedjes, de Kruif, et al, 2017; Krok‐Schoen et al, 2020; Qiu et al, 2013; Rabin et al, 2011), and (2) healthy eating behaviours (Absolom et al, 2009; Badr et al, 2017; Ching & Mok, 2019; Hardcastle et al, 2018; Hoedjes, de Kruif, et al, 2017; Lee et al, 2016; Rabin et al, 2011; Van der Meer et al, 2017). Specific content needs regarding cancer and treatment‐related effects included diet adaptations following gastrointestinal surgery (Anderson et al, 2013; Badr et al, 2017; Brown et al, 2016; Hardcastle et al, 2018; Qiu et al, 2013; Rabin et al, 2011), and dietary strategies to manage ongoing physical symptoms (Anderson et al, 2013; Brown et al, 2016; Ching & Mok, 2019; Chua et al, 2020; Hardcastle et al, 2018; Hoedjes, de Kruif, et al, 2017; Krok‐Schoen et al, 2020; Qiu et al, 2013). Nine of the ten studies reporting a need for dietary information to manage cancer and treatment‐related effects included study populations with people who had completed treatment for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, most of whom were less than five years post‐diagnosis.…”

“…Twenty-three of the 57 included studies (40%) reported on the content and delivery needs of adult cancer survivors in accessing dietary information post-treatment ( (Anderson et al, 2013;Badr et al, 2017;Brown et al, 2016;Chua et al, 2020;Hardcastle et al, 2018;Hoedjes, de Kruif, et al, 2017;Krok-Schoen et al, 2020;Qiu et al, 2013;Rabin et al, 2011), and…”

“…(2) healthy eating behaviours (Absolom et al, 2009;Badr et al, 2017;Ching & Mok, 2019;Hardcastle et al, 2018;Hoedjes, de Kruif, et al, 2017;Lee et al, 2016;Rabin et al, 2011;Van der Meer et al, 2017). Specific content needs regarding cancer and treatment-related effects included diet adaptations following gastrointestinal surgery (Anderson et al, 2013;Badr et al, 2017;Brown et al, 2016;Hardcastle et al, 2018;Qiu et al, 2013;Rabin et al, 2011), and dietary strategies to manage ongoing physical symptoms (Anderson et al, 2013;Brown et al, 2016;Ching & Mok, 2019;Chua et al, 2020;Hardcastle et al, 2018;Hoedjes, de Kruif, et al, 2017;Krok-Schoen et al, 2020;Qiu et al, 2013 A need for information regarding dietary supplements and nutrition-related complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) was identified by cancer survivors in six studies (Balneaves et al, 2016;Hoedjes, de Kruif, et al, 2017;Holmes et al, 2017;Lee et al, 2016;Van der Meer et al, 2017;Yun et al, 2013). Specific content needs included evidence-based information regarding the safety and efficacy of CAM (Balneaves et al, 2016;Holmes et al, 2017), and the use of dietary supplements (Hoedjes, de Kruif, et al, 2017;Lee et al, 2016;Van der Meer et al, 2017) and functional foods (Lee et al, 2016).…”

“…This university (Blair et al, 2019;des Bordes et al, 2016;Koutoukidis et al, 2017;Nissen et al, 2014;Rabin et al, 2011;Robles et al, 2020;Wanchai et al, 2012) and government sources (Absolom et al, 2009;Alimujiang et al, 2019;Blair et al, 2019;Bours et al, 2015;Brems et al, 2013;Ching & Mok, 2019;Chua et al, 2020;Du et al, 2020;Haggstrom et al, 2009;Hawkins et al, 2015;Holla et al, 2016;Jarvandi et al, 2020;Kenzik et al, 2016;Kim et al, 2018;Klassen et al, 2018;Lawler et al, 2011;May et al, 2019;Nissen et al, 2014;Scarton et al, 2018;Wang et al, 2015;Weaver et al, 2013;Wright et al, 2017;Zaleta et al, 2017). EJ is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend.…”

An Assessment of Health Information Resource Center and Supportive Program Needs

“…The need for dietary information and advice has been well reported in the literature. [ 27 39 40 ] Cancer and its treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause many side effects such as mucositis, alteration in taste, dyspepsia, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation[ 41 42 43 ] and adversely affect the nutritional intake and compromise the general health of the patients. Restrictions of specific foods in children (<18 years old) undergoing cancer treatment was practiced by 57% of mothers and misconceptions regarding diet are prevalent.…”