Lived experience of dietary change among Chinese colorectal cancer survivors in Hong Kong: A qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis is a qualitative study which aims to understand the lived experience of dietary changes among Chinese survivors of colorectal cancer who participated in a dietary intervention.SettingThe surgical and oncological departments of four public hospitals in Hong Kong.ParticipantsFifty-five Chinese colorectal cancer survivors who were aged 18 years or above and had received potentially curative treatment in the surgical and oncological departments in Hong Kong were examined. Participants’ mean age was 64 years, with 29 (53%) males.InterventionA 12-month dietary intervention delivered via face-to-face motivational interviews, fortnightly motivational phone calls, monthly electronic pamphlets, quarterly newsletters and quarterly group meeting.Outcome measureWe adopted the qualitative approach to capture participants’ perspectives and to apply the understanding pragmatically in everyday life. Content analysis was conducted.ResultsWe identified themes of motives to changes of dietary practices including (1) individual commitment to dietary change; (2) adaptive strategies in interpersonal contexts and (3) working with healthcare professionals during the journey.ConclusionsThe findings demonstrated how Chinese custom and culture posing unique challenges to colorectal cancer survivors and the need of having dietary advice from healthcare professionals. Participants were motivated to change their eating habits by support from family, friends and healthcare professionals. Our findings could help healthcare professionals provide specific dietary advice and guidance to Chinese colorectal cancer survivors.Trial registration numberNCT01708824.

Cultural factors affecting the self-care of cancer survivors: An integrative review

“…Cancer survivors in China are following the dietary principle of eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat to prevent cancer recurrence (Nynikka et al, 2014;Chung et al, 2009;Ashing-Giwa et al, 2004;Wong et al, 2021). They also eat roots for blood circulation (Ashing-Giwa et al, 2004;Wong et al, 2021).…”

“…Cancer survivors in China are following the dietary principle of eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat to prevent cancer recurrence (Nynikka et al, 2014;Chung et al, 2009;Ashing-Giwa et al, 2004;Wong et al, 2021). They also eat roots for blood circulation (Ashing-Giwa et al, 2004;Wong et al, 2021). For Chinese cancer survivors, they were taking oriental medicine as a health supplement, believing that beef and geese were toxic, and believing that cold food was unhealthy according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (Chung et al, 2009;Wong et al, 2021).…”

“…They also eat roots for blood circulation (Ashing-Giwa et al, 2004;Wong et al, 2021). For Chinese cancer survivors, they were taking oriental medicine as a health supplement, believing that beef and geese were toxic, and believing that cold food was unhealthy according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (Chung et al, 2009;Wong et al, 2021). Some African Americans perceive herbal remedies to be beneficial to the body as an alternative medicine (Kelley, 2004;Ashing-Giwa et al, 2004).…”

“…Some African Americans perceive herbal remedies to be beneficial to the body as an alternative medicine (Kelley, 2004;Ashing-Giwa et al, 2004). Among Asians, healthy behaviors (smoking cessation, abstinence from alcohol) are more prevalent because cultural norms classify these behaviors as 'unhealthy' or 'cancer-causing behaviors' (Suh et al, 2013;Wong et al, 2021). Many studies believed that physical activity was important for a healthy life, and many breast cancer survivors exercised to prevent lymphedema in the arms (Cheng et al, 2016;Anbari et al, 2021).…”

“…Family and community cultural expectations and experiences influence self-care maintenance behavior. Therefore, when the intervention for self-care maintenance was 'cultured', it was effective (Penedo et al, 2018;Kelley, 2004;Ashing-Giwa et al, 2004;Wong et al, 2021).…”