Research shows low adherence to dietary guidelines among rural Australian cancer survivors
A study led by Monash Rural Health has shown that rates of adherence to dietary guidelines among rural Australian cancer survivors vary across food groups and are mostly low.
Dr Michael Leach from Monash Rural Health Bendigo collaborated with colleagues from Monash Rural Health Warragul and the West Gippsland Healthcare Group to undertake this study, as part of the I.CAN Cancer Survivor Project.
The study analysed data collected from 107 rural cancer survivors at a hospital in Baw Baw Shire, Gippsland, Victoria between August 2017 and December 2021. Participants completed a questionnaire based on their diet, and the answers were compared against recommendations given for six food groups in Australian dietary guidelines.
The research found that:
- 4% of rural cancer survivors adhered to the guideline regarding vegetables
- 7% adhered to the guideline regarding cereals, breads and grains
- 24% adhered to the guideline regarding processed red meats
- 56% adhered to the guideline regarding fruits
- 63% adhered to the guideline regarding whole red meats
- 88% adhered to the dietary guideline regarding alcohol.
It was also found that participants currently receiving treatment had significantly lower adherence to the dietary guidelines regarding fruits than those who had completed or ceased treatment, while participants aged 65-74 years had significantly higher adherence to the dietary guidelines regarding fruits than those aged less than 65 years.
The study’s findings provide preliminary evidence of a need to increase provision of dietary information and screening for dietary care needs among rural Australian cancer survivors. Wherever appropriate, dietetics referrals, assessments and interventions are also recommended.
With regard to these findings, Dr Leach says, “Although the 107 rural cancer survivors’ rates of adherence to dietary guidelines for fruits and vegetables are not notably worse than the whole Australian population, absolute adherence rates for the six food groups are still low and indicative of room for improvements. It is particularly important for cancer survivors to have high-quality diets capable of increasing their energy levels, elevating their moods and reducing the risk of potentially preventable diseases, including the recurrence of previously treated cancers and the development of new cancers.”
Dr Leach adds, “I hope that this research will pave the way for similar, larger studies across different geographical locations and, ultimately, meaningful improvements in adherence to dietary guidelines among rural Australian cancer survivors.”
Read the full article, published in Supportive Care in Cancer:
Adherence to dietary guidelines and associated factors among rural Australian cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study.