Background: For people diagnosed with cancer, changes in the body occur throughout treatment and survivorship. Knowing how to respond to, and address these changes early, can decrease unmet needs, distress and worry. Addressing weight management through tailored dietetic and physical activity interventions and health coaching has been associated with reduced cancer treatment toxicities and late affects, reduced risk of obesity and onset of chronic disease, and increased health related quality of life. The I.CAN program was established to implement a tailored nutrition and exercise program to promote sustainable healthy eating, exercise and weight maintenance strategies for people diagnosed with cancer through a community integrated model of health promotion and self-management.
Methods: Patients from all tumour streams were invited to attended individual and/or group nutrition and exercise sessions The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and evidenced-based practice guidelines for nutritional management of cancer were used for nutrition education and encouraging nutritional adequacy. Exercise prescriptions based on individual needs were completed by an exercise physiologist. Data collection at baseline, three and six months included body mass index (BMI), Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GLTPAQ), the NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem Checklist and the FACT-G7.
Results: 56 participants were recruited into the program, eight declined. Although, participants’ BMI did not significantly change, improved food choices in meeting daily requirements on the FFQ were seen between baseline, three and six months. Participants in group sessions also showed improved nutrition knowledge. A significant increase of 40% (p= 0.0008) in the GLTEQ scores between baseline and 3 months was seen in all participants and maintained at six months. FACT-G7 showed positive quality of life outcomes at follow-up.
Conclusion: Implementing strategies which promote and support positive eating patterns and ability to be physically active during and post cancer treatment are feasible.