Results of the ECHO (Eating habits CHanges in Oncologic patients) Survey: An Italian Cross-Sectional Multicentric Study to Explore Dietary Changes and Dietary Supplement Use, in Breast Cancer Survivors

• DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.705927
• Publication Date: 2021-11-01T07:20:07Z
• Authors: Greta Caprara; Maria Tieri; Alessandra Fabi; Valentina Guarneri; Cristina Falci; Maria Vittoria Dieci; Monica Turazza; Bettina Ballardini; Alessandra Bin; Saverio Cinieri; Patrizia Vici; Emilia Montagna; Claudio Zamagni; Cristina Mazzi; Alessandra Modena; Fabiana Marchetti; Matteo Verzè; Francesca Ghelfi; Lucilla Titta; Fabrizio Nicolis; Stefania Gori
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study

The role of a healthy diet in cancer prevention is well recognized. Recent data indicate that following the same advices can also improve survivors' quality life. Breast (BC) patients are commonly concerned about and nutrition frequently express need to obtain health-related information will change their lifestyle. Hence, be aware dietary changes needs crucial for healthcare professionals guide them toward optimal lifestyle choices. In order investigate eating habits BC population, we conceived cross-sectional multicentric study ECHO (Eating CHanges Oncologic patients) Survey. Data were collected from 684 patients, diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, food consumption, use supplements, or beginning specific diet, after diagnosis. We examined sources used if any modification diets was reported oncologist. primarily observed increased consumption vegetables, pulses, nuts, fruits, wholemeal bread/pasta, grains fish; while decreasing red processed meat, refined baked good animal fat consumption. Survivors mainly vitamins, aimed at counteracting therapies' side effects. Changes nutritional often adopted without asking informing Despite survivors made some positive habits, those modifications mostly pursued by less than half them, majority consumed supplements These results, as failure communicate physicians, reinforce both patient-healthcare professional relationship develop tailored counselling intervention programs survivors.