Dietary intervention among young cancer survivors within the CARE for CAYA program

PURPOSE: A healthy diet and weight can reduce the risk of secondary diseases in child, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer survivors. METHODS: The nutrition module of the CARE for CAYA program, a multimodal survivorship program, implemented needs-based dietary interventions for CAYAs (aged 15-39 years) at 14 German university clinics between December 2017 and July 2020 (RCT: January 2018 to July 2019). Individual needs were determined at baseline (T1), and those with high need for dietary intervention received intensified intervention (intervention group (IG)), while the control group (CG) received one basic counseling. Dietary quality was measured after 52 weeks (T3) using the HEI-EPIC. Changes in Mediterranean dietary adherence (MEDAS-FFQ), phase angle, BMI, nutrition-related barriers, fatigue, and quality of life, as well as subjective and objective taste perception were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 74.4% (n = 267; 134 IG; 133 CG) had a high need for dietary intervention. Median age was 24.8 (interquartile range 19.6-31.6) and 66.7% were female. The dietary quality improved in IG (T1 = 50.0 pts; T3 = 58.0 pts) and in CG (T1 = 49.0 pts; T3 = 57.5 pts, intergroup difference p = 0.773). The Mediterranean dietary adherence improved significantly (IG) (p = 0.040). Both groups had improvements in fatigue and quality of life, empowerment for lifestyle changes, and high satisfaction with the intervention. CONCLUSION: The dietary intervention within a multimodal program had a positive impact on dietary quality and mental health in CAYAs. Implications for Cancer Survivors These findings may guide the development of future (dietary) programs in the follow-up care of CAYA cancer survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with the German Clinical Trial Register on 19 January 2018 (DRKS00012504| http://www.germanctr.de/ ).