Sources of nutrition advice and desired nutrition guidance in oncology care: Patient's perspectives

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to describe the proportion of cancer patients and survivors who receive nutrition advice, the sources of that advice and to explore the nutrition advice this cohort would like to have received. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was completed by 211 cancer patients and survivors recruited through two hospitals in the North-West of Ireland. The survey consisted of open-ended and closed questions that aimed to explore the provision of and sources of nutrition advice and desired guidance in this cohort. Descriptive analysis was conducted using SPPS, while open-ended questions underwent thematic analysis. Results: Respondents were mainly female (n = 133; 63%), aged 50-69 years old (n = 118; 56%), attending the outpatient department (n = 128; 60.7%) and < 5 years since diagnosis (n = 150; 71.7%). Breast (n = 69; 32.7%) was the most common cancer type. Respondents experienced a mean ± SD of 5 ± 3.1 nutrition impact symptoms. The most common was changes in taste/ smell (n = 122; 57.8%). Although 53.6% (n = 113) reported being given advice, only 34.1% (n = 72) received this advice from a dietitian. The main sources of nutritional advice were friends and family. Respondents expressed their desire for nutrition advice from a dietitian and that this should be individualised, clear and practical. There was also a desire to avoid misinformation and uncertainty. Conclusions: The results of the present study can be used to help tailor nutrition support for this group. There is a need to ensure that patients and survivors consistently receive evidence-based advice tailored to their needs, cancer type and treatment stage.

Exploring dietitians’ practice and perspectives on the role of dietary patterns during cancer treatment: A qualitative study

“…However, dietary changes are often small and not necessarily clinically relevant, suggesting a need for expert nutritional support [ 18 ]. In high-income countries it is estimated that between 30 to 50% of people with cancer and cancer survivors receive dietetic care, a service that is strongly desired by this group of individuals [ 19 , 20 ]. Previous research has demonstrated that dietitians who provide care to people with head and neck cancer demonstrate high rates of awareness and implementation of evidence-based nutrition guidelines [ 21 ].…”

Prehab to rehab: Living with and beyond cancer

“…7 This ranges from information that is not easily translated into practice to the downright misleading, which is not a surprise in the era of the internet, but a huge cause for concern. The breadth of topics that people wish to access range from the desire for dietary advice to the frustration around lack of clarity of nutrition guidance is well described by Keaver et al 8 Dietitians were identified as the professional of choice to be the primary source of this nutrition advice, which is a feeling strongly echoed by the dietetic profession. The complex nature of cancer, as well as the nutrition and supportive care needs of people with a particular cancer diagnosis, is highlighted in the work of Hiatt et al 9 Head and neck cancer presents specific challenges with respect to nutrition and the additional support people need during and after treatment.…”