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Capitalizing on the ‘teachable moment' to promote healthy behavior changes among cancer survivors
We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 32 clinicians (10 oncologists, 5 surgeons, 6 primary care providers, 7 nurses, and dieticians, social workers and patient navigators) who care for prostate, breast, and/or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer survivors. Interviews were structured around caring for long-term survivors, and clinical perceptions of the importance of promoting behavior change, with a particular emphasis on dietary change.
Clinicians reported that many cancer survivors ask questions about dietary changes. Survivors often ask whether specific foods are good or bad for the cancer, and about supplements. Most clinicians recommended a well-balanced healthy diet rather than cancer-specific ‘super foods.' However, they noted lack of time and expertise as barriers to providing detailed dietary messages or interventions. While dieticians were mentioned as possible interventionists, they are infrequently accessible to cancer survivors.
Given that survivors inquire about diet, there is an opportunity to promote behavior change; however approaches must work within the constraints of the existing clinical structure.
Public health or related education
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Describe the importance of health promotion for long-term cancer survivors
Discuss current clinical practices around promotion of healthy diet for patients with a history of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, breast and prostate cancer
Identify barriers and opportunities for behavioral interventions within the cancer care model
Keywords: Cancer, Nutrition
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the PI on this project and I have been working on nutrition topics in relation to chronic disease and also cancer survivorship
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.