A Home-Based Dietary Intervention for Chinese-American Cancer Survivors

Cancer is the leading cause of all deaths among Asian American populations in the United States (CDC, 2013).  Asian Americans are also reported to have lower cancer deaths compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Consequently, more Asian Americans will survive cancer diagnosis and live a longer life after treatment. Studies also confirmed that cancer survivors generally are more likely to develop progressive, recurrent, secondary cancers, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases (Yabroff, et al., 2004.). For Chinese cancer patients and survivors in the United States, quality of life can be further deteriorated because of language, cultural, and structural barriers.

This study is to test the effectiveness of a home-based diet intervention in Chinese American cancer patients and survivors. The goal of the study is to engage Chinese cancer patients and survivors in systematic changes toward desired health behaviors. The intervention includes a 50-week period with four sessions of consultation by a registered dietitian (1^st- 30 minutes, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th- 10 minutes), 13 telephone consultations by trained volunteers (1^stmonth-weekly, afterwards bi-monthly and monthly), and 4 telephone prompts.

Evaluation data are obtained from baseline surveys and post (10-month follow-up) surveys of those who complete the intervention. In addition to basic demographic characteristics, weight status, medical history and NCI-24-h dietary recalls, three standardized scales are used to measure quality of life (SF-36), physical activity (CHAMPS), and health education impact (heiQ). Fifty five cancer patients and survivors were recruited for the study and all of them have completed the baseline surveys, 24-hour dietary recalls. Currently, we are in the process of last stage of intervention. The research team will start to collect the follow-up surveys by the end of this year. In the spring of 2014, the research team will analyze the data and prepare a manuscript based on results from this study.