Virginia Sun1, Christopher S Wendel2, Wendy Demark-Wahnefried3, Marcia Grant1, Carmit K McMullen4, Joanna E Bulkley4, Lisa J Herrinton5, Mark C Hornbrook4, Robert S Krouse6. 1. a Department of Population Sciences , City of Hope , Duarte , California , USA. 2. b University of Arizona , Tucson , Arizona , USA. 3. c The University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham , Alabama , USA. 4. d Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest , Portland , Oregon , USA. 5. e Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research , Oakland , California , USA. 6. f Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer (RC) survivors experience significant bowel function issues after treatment. We aimed to describe self-reported dietary and behavioral modifications among long-term (≥5 yr) RC survivors to manage bowel dysfunction. METHODS: RC survivors from Kaiser Permanente Northern California and Northwest regions completed surveys either via postage-paid return mail or telephone. Summary statistics on diet/behavioral modifications data were tabulated by proportion of responses. Modifications and frequency of bowel symptoms cited and were compared by ostomy status. RESULTS: A total of 575 respondents were included (overall response rate = 60.5%). Fruits and vegetables were troublesome for symptoms, but was also helpful in mitigating constipation, obstruction, and frequency, as well as improving predictability. Many respondents attributed red meat (17.7%), fried foods (13.9%), spicy foods (13.1%), carbonated beverages (8.0%), and sweets (7.6%) to increased diarrhea, gas, and urgency. Common behavioral modifications included controlling meal portions (50.6%), timing regularity (25.3%), and refraining from late night eating (13.8%). Permanent ostomy survivors were more likely to report symptoms of obstruction, while anastomosis survivors were more likely to report urgency. CONCLUSION: Multiple modifications were attempted by RC survivors to manage bowel symptoms. Identifying diet changes among RC survivors can improve symptom management and survivorship care.
BACKGROUND:Rectal cancer (RC) survivors experience significant bowel function issues after treatment. We aimed to describe self-reported dietary and behavioral modifications among long-term (≥5 yr) RC survivors to manage bowel dysfunction. METHODS:RC survivors from Kaiser Permanente Northern California and Northwest regions completed surveys either via postage-paid return mail or telephone. Summary statistics on diet/behavioral modifications data were tabulated by proportion of responses. Modifications and frequency of bowel symptoms cited and were compared by ostomy status. RESULTS: A total of 575 respondents were included (overall response rate = 60.5%). Fruits and vegetables were troublesome for symptoms, but was also helpful in mitigating constipation, obstruction, and frequency, as well as improving predictability. Many respondents attributed red meat (17.7%), fried foods (13.9%), spicy foods (13.1%), carbonated beverages (8.0%), and sweets (7.6%) to increased diarrhea, gas, and urgency. Common behavioral modifications included controlling meal portions (50.6%), timing regularity (25.3%), and refraining from late night eating (13.8%). Permanent ostomy survivors were more likely to report symptoms of obstruction, while anastomosis survivors were more likely to report urgency. CONCLUSION: Multiple modifications were attempted by RC survivors to manage bowel symptoms. Identifying diet changes among RC survivors can improve symptom management and survivorship care.
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Authors: Virginia Sun; Marcia Grant; Carmit K McMullen; Andrea Altschuler; M Jane Mohler; Mark C Hornbrook; Lisa J Herrinton; Carol M Baldwin; Robert S Krouse Journal: J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs Date: 2013 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 1.741
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Authors: Carmit K McMullen; Mark C Hornbrook; Marcia Grant; Carol M Baldwin; Christopher S Wendel; M Jane Mohler; Andrea Altschuler; Michelle Ramirez; Robert S Krouse Journal: J Support Oncol Date: 2008-04
Authors: Virginia Sun; Tracy E Crane; Kathryn B Arnold; Katherine Guthrie; Sarah Freylersythe; Christa Braun-Inglis; Lee Jones; Stacey A Cohen; Mazin Al-Kasspooles; Robert S Krouse; Cynthia A Thomson Journal: Contemp Clin Trials Commun Date: 2021-04-08