Navigating nutrition as a childhood cancer survivor: Understanding patient and family needs for nutrition interventions or education

Aim: Nutrition challenges are common during childhood cancer treatment and can persist into survivorship, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases. Evidence-based practice and implementation of nutrition interventions/ education for childhood cancer survivors has been poorly investigated and may influence their future health. This study aimed to explore the nutrition interventions/education needs of childhood cancer survivors and the barriers and facilitators to delivering follow-up services in New Zealand.Methods: Semi structured interviews were conducted with childhood cancer survivors and/or their families (n=22) and health professionals (n=9) from a specialist paediatric oncology centre in New Zealand. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. A multi-level consensus coding methodology was used where each theme and associated subthemes were discussed with the study team for confirmation to ensure accurate coding and analysis.Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the current survivorship care pathway does not provide adequate interventions/education, (2) weight and dietary changes are common challenges and (3) requirements for interventions/education in survivorship are varied. Common nutrition-related concerns included fussy eating/limited dietary intake, poor diet quality, difficulties with tube weaning, and challenges with weight gain. Participants expressed a desire for education on healthy eating alongside information about cancer related nutrition issues, such as learned food aversions. A preference for clear referral pathways and multifaceted interventions tailored to individual patient needs was identified. Conclusion: The trifecta of treatment side effects, negative feeding practices and poor messaging from health professionals creates a challenging environment to optimise nutrition. A stepped care model matching the intervention intensity with the childhood cancer survivors is required. Education for healthcare professionals will improve the delivery of timely interventions/ education and monitoring practices.

Automated summary

In this study, the nutrition interventions/education needs of childhood cancer survivors in New Zealand were explored. The study found that the current survivorship care pathway is inadequate in providing interventions/education, and survivors face common challenges related to weight and dietary changes. The study also identified the varied requirements for interventions/education in survivorship.