Dietary information for colorectal cancer survivors: an unmet need.
OBJECTIVE
Observational studies have highlighted the association between diet and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence. We aimed to identify the dietary patterns of CRC patients in our region, the level of dietary advice currently received and its impact on behaviour.


METHODS
A survey was taken of an opportunistic sample of CRC patients at Dunedin and Invercargill Hospitals, New Zealand. Dietary patterns were classified according to previously utilised criteria and the level of information they had received was established.


RESULTS
Forty patients were recruited. No patients reported receiving dietary information from their doctor or nurse. Sixty-one percent of patients felt they received too little information. Obese patients were less likely to consider that diet was important in cancer recurrence, but were more likely to be interested in receiving dietary information than normal weight individuals. Ninety-eight percent wanted additional dietary information and 75% would consider changing their diet in response to such information.


CONCLUSIONS
CRC survivors reported they were prepared to change their diet following diagnosis and treatment, however they report receiving insufficient information to meet their needs. An opportunity for dietary intervention that may improve patient outcome is presently being missed. As a result of this study a comprehensive information package tailored to colorectal cancer survivors has been developed.
Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Jessie M
JM
Pullar
Alexandra
A
Chisholm
Christopher
C
Jackson
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery; D015897:Comorbidity; D004034:Diet Surveys; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004435:Eating; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005502:Food / Q000145:classification; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017741:Survivors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*