Adherence to American Cancer Society Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity in Female Cancer Survivors: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial (Yale Fitness Intervention Trial)

Abstract

Background: The American Cancer Society (ACS) publishes guidelines on nutrition and physical activity to minimize health risks in cancer patients and survivors. Studies show that high adherence to such guidelines is associated with a decrease in overall cancer incidence and mortality. However, there are sparse data on adherence to the ACS guidelines in cancer survivors.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe adherence to the ACS guidelines in female cancer survivors who participated in an exercise intervention trial for 1 year.

Methods: Perimenopausal and early postmenopausal female cancer survivors (n = 154) participated in a randomized controlled trial that examined the efficacy of an aerobic-resistance exercise intervention. In addition to body mass index and alcohol, diet and physical activity data were collected with 4-day diet records and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A scoring system was used to determine adherence to the ACS guidelines, with scores ranging from 0 (no adherence) to 8 (highest adherence).

Results: Mean total adherence scores for ACS guidelines for all intervention and control condition participants, most of whom had breast or gynecological cancers, were 4.2 (baseline), 4.9 (6 months), and 4.8 (12 months), suggesting moderate adherence. Physical activity levels improved in both groups; however, no significant change was observed for adherence to weight, dietary, or alcohol intake guidelines for either group.

Conclusion: Findings indicate only partial adherence to the ACS guidelines, even for motivated cancer survivors participating in an exercise intervention study.

Implications for practice: Further research is needed regarding strategies and interventions to improve adherence to ACS guidelines.