Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

“They didn’t really care what I ate, they just said eat food”. Exploring the nutrition-related experiences and preferences of adolescents and young adults with cancer (#440)

Erin Laing 1 2 3 , Nina Axelsen 1 , Sophie L'Estrange 4 , Madison Hille 5 , Andrew Murnane 6
  1. Nutrition & Speech Pathology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  2. Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  3. Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  4. Nutrition & Food Services Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  5. Nutrition & Dietetics, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  6. Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Aims

Cancer among adolescent and young adults (AYA) is rare but significant, with these years crucial for physical and social development, and building a sense of autonomy. Cancer nutrition is well-studied in paediatric and older adult populations, however the nutritional status and needs of AYA are relatively unknown. This study aimed to explore the nutrition-related experiences, needs and nutrition service engagement of AYA with cancer.

Methods

This was an exploratory sub-study of the multi-site AYCANN (AYa CANcer Nutrition) project. All eligible AYA (15-25years, on or within 6-months of cancer treatment) at paediatric and adult health services in Victoria were invited to participate in virtual focus groups or interviews. Purposive sampling was undertaken to ensure heterogeneity among participants. Coding was undertaken by two independent researchers, using a deductive approach (coding against key questions), followed by an inductive approach (identify recurring themes).

Results

Sixteen AYA from 5 health services participated across 5 focus groups and 2 interviews (mean 21yrs, 63% male, 75% at adult hospital). Various cancer diagnoses were represented (lymphoma  n=6, sarcoma n=5, brain n=2, testicular n=2, leukaemia n=1). Key themes included ‘change in weight and physical appearance’, ‘eating to survive/cope’ and ‘value of one-on-one care’. Participants spoke about treatment-related weight change (loss and/or gain) and its negative effects on body image and identity. ‘Eating to survive/cope’ with a focus on consuming high energy/fat and convenience foods was common. AYA valued early nutrition information/support after their cancer diagnosis and described one-to-one care from a dietitian as most valued. Family played a key role in supporting receipt of nutrition information for AYA <18yrs of age.

Conclusions

Early and targeted one-on-one nutrition information/support is highly valued among AYA with cancer. Findings from the AYCANN project will aid establishment of nutrition guidelines and optimal models of nutrition care for AYA in Victorian cancer services.