Young women who have battled cancer often face the added burden of fertility challenges. A newly emerging concern highlights the link between cancer diagnoses and infertility in females. Research underscores the significance of adopting a wholesome diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beneficial fatty acids. Such dietary choices have demonstrated the potential to enhance both fertility and the survivorship of cancer. However, an alarming statistic reveals that over 90% of young adult cancer survivors fall short of adhering to recommended dietary guidelines. Instead, their diets tend to be characterized by excessive fat intake and insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Researchers affiliated with Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions have delved into this issue, aiming to identify barriers and devise strategies to promote healthier dietary practices among female cancer survivors facing fertility challenges.
In a recent publication within Integrative Cancer Therapies, the research team conducted comprehensive interviews with young female cancer survivors who were grappling with fertility issues. These interviews were conducted to gather insights into their dietary habits, thereby informing the creation of dietary interventions tailored to this specific population.
In tandem with these in-depth interviews, 20 female cancer survivors of reproductive age participated in a study where they recounted their dietary intake over three separate 24-hour periods. This method, known as 24-hour dietary recalls, involves participants self-reporting the foods and beverages they consumed the previous day. These recalls were then assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (2015) to evaluate diet quality, as well as adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Subsequently, some participants engaged in focus group discussions to ensure the accuracy of the researchers’ interpretations of their perspectives.
The findings revealed an overarching trend of poor-quality diets among the women in the study. Four primary barriers to adopting a healthy diet were identified from the amassed data:
Struggles in achieving work-life balance
Persistent fatigue resulting from cancer treatment
Difficulty adhering to overly rigid dietary instructions
Scarce availability of nutritional resources tailored to the unique needs of cancer survivors during and after treatment
Despite these considerable obstacles, the research team identified certain factors that facilitated healthy eating habits, particularly among those participants who exhibited higher-quality diets. These included the establishment of trust between patients and their healthcare providers, a heightened motivation to enhance nutrition-related behaviors, and the recognition of ancillary advantages associated with proper nutrition and a balanced diet.
However, the researchers acknowledged that their findings are not universally applicable. They underscored the necessity for ongoing investigations into the distinct nutritional and wellness requisites of young female cancer survivors hailing from diverse racial, ethnic, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, research should encompass varying cancer types and treatments to gain a comprehensive understanding.
The research team proposed that nutrition programs and interventions tailored for female cancer survivors should draw from evidence-based strategies and tools, such as motivational interviewing, self-monitoring, and social support. Customized interventions should accommodate participants’ work schedules to enhance adherence. Moreover, culinary education resources may play a pivotal role in bolstering survivors’ confidence in cooking, motivation, and fatigue management.
Lead author Cynthia Klobodu, PhD, from California State University, Chico, along with co-authors including Jonathan Deutsch, PhD, Kathleen Fisher, PhD, Jennifer A. Nasser, PhD, and Dahlia Stott from Drexel University, and Mara Vitolins, DrPH, of Wake Forest University, contributed to this research endeavor. Principal investigator Milliron highlighted the need for nutrition interventions to incorporate insights from this research, especially when aimed at enhancing fertility treatments, in order to effectively address barriers and facilitators in the developmental phase.