Beyond Treatment: Exploring Nutritional Access and Food Literacy in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors
Maestas, Maddie
Maestas, Maddie
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2025-05-19
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Abstract
Adolescents and young adults (AYA) cancer survivors ages 18 to 39 experience unique and complex challenges during a critical transitional period in their life, in addition to the effects of cancer treatment and survivorship. Nutrition is an aspect of cancer treatment that is often underappreciated for its impact on healing. This qualitative study aims to explore AYA cancer survivors' experiences with their nutrition during and after treatment and identify areas of improvement to promote better nutrition. Through recruitment partnerships with multiple AYA organizations in a large metroplex, five individuals enrolled in the study. Participants were ages 18 to 35 with diagnoses including Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Hodgkin Lymphoma, and Ductile Carcinoma. Through open-ended questions, participants shared their cancer journey and nutritional experiences. Thematic analysis was used to develop four key themes: (1) Nutritional knowledge driving varying dietary patterns, (2) Financial barriers to healthy food, (3) Lack of nutritional education and consultation, and (4) Long term health impacts. To promote nutritional education and lifestyle support, multidisciplinary care for cancer survivors, specifically AYAs, is imperative to address this population's unique needs.