Exploring Views of Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, and People Living with and beyond Colorectal Cancer on a Healthy-Eating and Active Lifestyle Resource

Abstract

Background: People after bowel cancer are at high risk of cancer recurrences and co-morbidities, and therefore strategies are needed to reduce these risks. One promising strategy targets modifiable lifestyle factors including diet and physical activity. However, effective, evidence-based resources in adopting new lifestyle habits are currently lacking. Methods: The Healthy-Eating and Active Lifestyle After Bowel Cancer (HEAL ABC) resource was developed incorporating behavior change theory and World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute of Cancer Research guidelines. Focus groups and telephone interviews were conducted with professionals and survivors (age ≥18 years) to obtain feedback on the resource layout, structure, and content. Recorded data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using framework analysis. Results: Thirty participants evaluated the resource—19 cancer survivors and 11 professionals. Survivors’ mean age was 62 years (SD 11.5), 11 (58%) were females and 8 (42%) were male. Professionals were all females and mean age was 40 years (SD 6.06). Both survivors and professionals evaluated the resource as useful and provided suggestions for improvements. Conclusions: HEAL ABC is an evidence-based resource designed to aid cancer survivors in translating their motivation into action. It was valued positively by both survivors and healthcare professionals and viewed as filling a gap in post-treatment advice.

Keywords

• colorectal
• cancer
• diet
• physical activity
• behavior change
• survivorship