Abstract
Individuals living with cancer often experience multiple nutrition-related side effects from cancer treatment, including changes in taste and smell, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and pain during eating. These side effects can profoundly impact nutritional status and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences with nutrition-related cancer treatment side effects among cancer patients and their family caregivers, the way they manage such side effects, and the resulting changes in food preferences and behaviors. Structured surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted. Interviews focused on the presence and management of treatment side effects, how those changes influenced food preferences, and the extent to which they interfered with quality of life. Most patients (72%) reported treatment side effects; 61% reported that these side effects impacted their eating and drinking. Common side effects included fatigue (58%), dry mouth (30%), nausea (24%), constipation (20%) and diarrhea (20%). Six overarching qualitative themes were identified: Spiral of side effects; Pain of eating; Burden of eating; Loss of taste/change in taste; Symptom management; and Solutions. The authors conclude with implications for food and nutrition practice—moving beyond traditional recommendations of what to eat or avoid—to consider the overall patient and caregiver experience.
Highlights
Cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy, can cause sudden and dramatic changes in taste and smell, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, sores in the mouth and throat, trouble swallowing, dry mouth, and fatigue [1]
The investigation was nested within a larger, convergent mixed methods study that aimed to inform the development of tailored nutrition and physical activity programming to improve cancer survivorship and caregiver health
Just over 80% identified as Caucasian, 19% as African American, and a little over 6% identified as Hispanic or Latinx
Summary
Especially chemotherapy, can cause sudden and dramatic changes in taste and smell, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, sores in the mouth and throat, trouble swallowing, dry mouth, and fatigue [1]. The likelihood that a person with cancer will experience at least one treatment-induced side effect is high. In a large survey of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer in the United States (US), 88% of the respondents reported at least one side effect [2]. The likelihood of experiencing a cluster of side effects is high. Among the 86% of patient participants in an Australian prospective cohort study who reported at least one side effect, 67% experienced six or more side effects with over one-third reporting a grade
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