Diet and physical activity intervention preferences for young adult cancer survivors.

Abstract

Objective: Patient preferences for diet and physical activity interventions likely vary by patient age at cancer diagnosis, gender, and ethnicity. Efficacious multiple health behavior interventions to improve diet and physical activity in young adult cancer survivors are critically needed. This study aimed to collect data to inform preferences for diet and physical activity interventions for young adult cancer survivors that could be modified, if needed, based on gender and ethnicity.

Methods: Between May 2022 and April 2024, young adult cancer survivors between 20 and 30 years of age participated in an observational study to assess diet and physical activity habits and preferences. Participants completed a survey of diet and physical activity intervention preferences to be used for planning future intervention development. Descriptive statistics were calculated for multiple choice question responses. Intervention preferences for diet and physical activity were compared across self-reported gender (i.e., male vs. female) and race/ethnicity (i.e., Hispanic vs. other) using chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests (α = 0.05). Responses to open-ended questions were recorded and verified via quality assurance checks by a coauthor.

Results: Study participants (N = 88) completed the preferences survey. Participants' mean age at diagnosis was 23 years, 67% were female, 23% were from a racial/ethnic minority background, and common cancer types included thyroid (24%), lymphoid (19%), and sarcoma (15%). All participants had completed treatment at least 1 year prior to study enrollment (range 1-8 years). Overall, for a dietary intervention, most participants preferred remote-based (e.g., Zoom), one-on-one counseling with a registered dietitian beginning before treatment, and respondents expressed enthusiasm for free dietary coaching and virtual cooking classes. For a physical activity intervention, most participants preferred one-on-one, in-person sessions beginning before treatment, ideally within 1-15 miles from their home that would be free of charge. Participants reported interest in a variety of physical activities, including yoga, strength training, and cardiovascular-based activities (e.g., HIIT, interval training, swimming). There were few differences among gender and ethnicity.

Conclusions: Results indicate that future diet and physical activity intervention development for young adult cancer survivors should focus on strategies to promote one-on-one telehealth dietary counseling and in-person physical activity training. Virtual cooking classes and cookbooks coupled with in-person fitness training were preferred methodologies for young adult cancer survivors in this study.

Implications for cancer survivors: Study results highlight an opportunity to design a combined diet and physical activity intervention healthy lifestyle program for young adult cancer survivors that blend technology and personal contact.