Abstract
Purpose
People living with or beyond a prostate cancer diagnosis are vulnerable to poorer mental health and may benefit from following a high-quality diet. This study examined i) diet quality, eating behaviour, and mental health in people diagnosed with prostate cancer, and ii) explored associations between mental health, eating behaviour intent, and diet quality.
Methods
Adults with a self-reported current or past prostate cancer diagnosis were recruited through prostate cancer support groups, men’s support groups, and relevant social media pages. Diet quality was measured with the Mediterranean Adherence Screener (MEDAS), mental health with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, eating behaviour with the American Cancer Society’s nutrition-and-activity quiz as well as behavioural intention regarding following healthy eating principles. Associations were explored with multiple linear regressions including age, physical activity, and comorbidities as covariates in fully adjusted models.
Results
Most participants (n = 70, 71.9 ± 6.7 yrs) were ≥ 3-years post-diagnosis and completed treatment (61.8%). Diet quality was low in 70% (MEDAS: 4.7 ± 1.9). High-energy baked and fried foods were limited by most (85.7% and 72.9% respectively). Few met the recommended intake for vegetables (4.3%), fruit (41.4%), nuts and seeds (38.6%), legumes (17.1%), and fish (48.6%). Higher symptoms of depression (β = -0.602, p = < 0.001), anxiety (β = -0.737, p = < 0.001) and stress (β = -0.660, p = < 0.001) were associated with lower intent to limit intake of unhealthy foods but not diet quality.
Conclusions
Diet quality was low and not associated with mental health in this group of adults diagnosed with prostate cancer. However, poorer mental health was associated with a higher intent to eat unhealthy foods.
Implications for Cancer Survivors
Dietetic support is needed to enhance the diet quality and support healthy eating of people diagnosed with prostate cancer, particularly those with poorer mental health.