Role of family in the dietary behaviors of long-term cancer survivors

There are more than 14.5 million cancer survivors in the U.S., approximately two-thirds of whom survive 5 or more years post-diagnosis.  Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors has become critical given that cancer survivors face possible recurrence as well as heightened risks for new cancers and co-morbid conditions. Most cancer survivors do not meet dietary guidelines, and our research is intended to identify intervention opportunities to promote sustainable dietary change for cancer survivors where needed, and protect healthy diet where it already exists.

We present data from a thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with 53 individuals who had completed acute treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, breast and prostate cancer at least two years prior. Interviews explored participants’ understanding of current diet and yielded descriptions of changes undertaken alongside accounts of successes and explanations for setbacks. We present data on the role played by family members in shaping survivors’ diet. We argue that existing research has yet to adequately consider the familial context of dietary behaviors. Participants referenced their partners and adult children as motivators in making healthy choices following their cancer diagnosis, and described familial factors that hindered healthy eating. Interviewees referenced family members’ existing health conditions and dietary preferences as important contextual factors for their dietary behaviors.  Our data also serve as a reminder that food shopping, preparation and consumption are often collective experiences within a family, rather than behaviors independently undertaken by any one individual.  Future dietary interventions might best be targeted at the interpersonal level of the socioecological model.