Growing Hope: A Comprehensive Lifestyle Intervention for Vulnerable Cancer Survivors

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Date

2016-05-03

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Ohio State University. Office of Outreach and Engagement

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Abstract

Cancer survivors are at risk for suboptimal nutrition due to therapy, poor dietary patterns, higher rates of food insecurity, and susceptibility to unproven dietary practices. We established a 6-month intervention targeting cancer survivors to improve adherence to evidence-based dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Overweight and obese adult cancer survivors (N=29) were provided bimonthly group education sessions, e-motivational interviewing, and access to an urban garden to harvest fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Description

IMPACT. 1: Compared to baseline, survivors significantly improved quality of life, increased vegetable and fruit intakes and total Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.022, p=0.006, respectively). -- 2. Over 50 students have been trained and participated in numerous experiential service-learning opportunities (cooking demos, harvesting, survivor education, laboratory collection, data analysis, etc). -- 3. Several students have shared their experiences with other community partners and disseminated their findings via peer-reviewed abstracts, posters, and presentations.
OSU PARTNERS: OSUMC, OSU-CCC; CFAES: OSU Extension, Food Science, OARDC; Discovery Themes: InFACT, Foods for Health; JamesCare for Life; Food Innovation Center
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Local food pantries; Faith-based organizations; Federally qualified health centers; Non-profit cancer survivor organizations; American Cancer Society
PRIMARY CONTACT: Colleen Spees (spees.11@osu.edu)

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Citation

Engaged Scholars, v. 4 (2016).