Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2022

The perception of and access to nutrition services for men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy. (#391)

Brenton Baguley 1 2 , Caity Smith 1 , Anna Ugalde 3 , Nicole Kiss 1 2
  1. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences , Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  2. Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
  3. Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer predisposes men to weight gain, co-existing with lean muscle mass loss, and multiple co-morbidities that negatively impact quality of life. Dietary interventions are effective strategies to mitigating multiple ADT side effects, however whether men are referred, access and partake in nutrition services is relatively unknown.

Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured, audio recorded interviews were conducted in men with prostate cancer treated with ADT for >3 months. Interviews explored (i) experiences of ADT, (ii) accessibility, barriers, facilitators and/or use of nutrition services, and (iii) the preferences for nutrition service delivery. Data were coded using interpretative descriptive techniques of textual interview data, and systematically summarised to generate thematical patterns, using NVivo software.

Results: Interviews were completed with 20 men with prostate cancer (mean±SD, 68.8±5.7 years) treated with ADT (20.1±6.2 months). Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes: (1) ADT and the new me: men revealed that weight gain, loss of muscle and strength, and fatigue from ADT were daily struggles that negatively impact self-perception; (2) time to take control: men reported making successful changes in exercise to combat the physical changes from ADT, however dietary changes were restrictive, non-evidence based and produced a yo-yo dieting effect; (3) knowledge is power: demand for nutrition services that specialise in prostate cancer with knowledge in addressing side effects from ADT; (4) diverse patients need diverse nutrition support: that is individualised or group-based, commenced at the start or partway through treatment, including peer or partner support, and information-rich through multiple platforms.

Conclusion: Evidence-based nutrition services are an unmet need for men treated with ADT.  Future work is required to develop services that can be readily available and accessible to improve prostate cancer survivorship care.