Attention to diet, exercise, and weight in oncology care: Results of an American Society of Clinical Oncology national patient survey. Issue 14 (20th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ligibel, Jennifer A.; Pierce, Lori J.; Bender, Catherine M.; Crane, Tracy E.; Dieli‐Conwright, Christina; Hopkins, Judith O.; Masters, Gregory A.; Schenkel, Caroline; Garrett‐Mayer, Elizabeth; Katta, Sweatha; Merrill, Janette K.; Salamone, Jeannine M.; Brewster, Abenaa M.
• Is Part Of: Cancer. Volume 128:Issue 14(2022)
• Page Start: 2817
• Page End: 2825
• Publication Date: 2022-04-20
• Subjects: cancer care -- energy balance -- exercise -- nutrition -- obesity -- referral -- weight loss; Cancer -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Cytopathology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-543X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) surveyed cancer patients to assess practice patterns related to weight, diet, and exercise as a part of cancer care. Methods: An online survey was distributed between March and June 2020 through ASCO channels and patient advocacy organizations. Direct email communication was sent to more than 25, 000 contacts, and information about the survey was posted on Cancer.Net. Eligibility criteria included being aged at least 18 years, living in the United States, and having been diagnosed with cancer. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with recommendation and referral patterns. Results: In total, 2419 individuals responded to the survey. Most respondents were female (60.1%), 61.1% had an early‐stage malignancy, and 48.4% were currently receiving treatment. Breast cancer was the most common cancer (35.7%). The majority of respondents consumed ≤2 servings of fruits and vegetables/d (50.5%) and exercised ≤2 times/wk (50.1%). Exercise was addressed at most or some oncology visits in 56.8% of respondents, diet in 50.1%, and weight in 28.0%. Respondents whose oncology provider provided diet and/or exercise recommendations were more likely to report changes in these behaviors vs. those whose oncology provider did not (exercise: 79.6% vs 69.0%, P < .001; diet 81.1% vs 71.3%, P < .001; weight 81.0% vs 73.3%, P = .003). Conclusions: In a national survey of oncology patients, slightly more than one‐half reported attention to diet and exercise during oncology visits. Provider recommendations for diet, exercise, and weight were associated with positive changes in these behaviors, reinforcing the importance of attention to these topics as a part of oncology care. Abstract : In a national survey of 2419 oncology patients conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, slightly more than one‐half of respondents reported attention to diet and exercise during oncology visits. Provider recommendations for diet, exercise, and weight were associated with positive changes in these behaviors, reinforcing the importance of attention to these topics as part of oncology care.