Background: While advanced cancer is often associated with weight loss, curative cancer treatment is often associated with weight gain (Demark-Wahnefried et al, 1997). Weight gain during treatment is associated with greater risk of cancer recurrence and development of lifestyle diseases. Currently, there are no resources available to patients and survivors focussed on weight control.
Aim: To assess the information needs of patients undergoing curative chemotherapy regarding diet, exercise and weight management for the purpose of developing weight management resources.
Methods: Semi structured focus groups were held with oncology practitioners, patients and survivors to determine current information provision and information needs.
Results: Focus groups highlighted that information provision regarding diet, exercise and weight management is perceived as insufficient and no routine assessment of weight occurs during chemotherapy. Practitioners described barriers to information provision including lack of resources and time, and practitioners’ uncertainty regarding appropriate messages to provide. Patients wanted more information regarding diet, exercise and weight, and for information to be provided during treatment time and preferably by nursing staff.
Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that there needs to be an increase in provision of diet, exercise and weight management information that is evidence-based and delivered at an appropriate time by the preferred health care professional. It would also be beneficial to implement protocols regarding assessment of weight during treatment.