Dietary Quality and Intake of Cancer Caregivers: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies and Recommendations for Future Research

Susannah K. Ayre; Katelyn E. Collins; Xanthia E. Bourdaniotis; Grace L. Rose; Gosia Boardman; Constantina Depaune; Belinda C. Goodwin; Elizabeth A. Johnston

doi:10.1002/cam4.70668

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Dietary Quality and Intake of Cancer Caregivers: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies and Recommendations for Future Research

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Dietary Quality and Intake of Cancer Caregivers: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies and Recommendations for Future Research

Susannah K. Ayre, Katelyn E. Collins, Xanthia E. Bourdaniotis, Grace L. Rose, Gosia Boardman, Constantina Depaune, Belinda C. Goodwin and Elizabeth A. Johnston

Cancer Medicine, Vol.14(3), pp.1-23

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.70668

PMCID: PMC11808751

PMID: 39927738

Appears in Cancer Research Cluster Research Collection

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Abstract

behavioral science

cancer prevention

cancer risk factors

epidemiology and prevention

nutrition

Aims As more people live with and beyond a cancer diagnosis, the role of informal caregivers becomes increasingly vital. Despite emotional, physical, and financial challenges, the impact of caregiving on health behaviors, including diet, has been largely overlooked. This systematic review synthesized quantitative evidence on dietary quality and intake among cancer caregivers. Methods Five databases (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science) were searched in February 2024 using keywords including cancer, caregiver, and diet. Articles published since 2013 that quantitatively assessed the dietary quality or intake of cancer caregivers were eligible. Articles were independently screened in Rayaan by two authors, with discrepancies resolved by a third author. Data on study design, aims, methods, sample characteristics, and results were extracted and summarized using descriptive analyses. One author performed data extraction, with a second author reviewing results for accuracy. Results Of 12,584 records identified, 22 met eligibility criteria. Most studies were conducted in the United States (68%), were cross-sectional (77%), and included caregivers who were partners (68%) of people with cancer. Four (18%) studies reported on energy or nutrient intakes, 13 (59%) reported on food or food group intakes, and 10 (45%) reported on diet quality or dietary patterns. Results varied widely due to differences in assessment methods used. Dietary changes due to caregiving were described in 8 (36%) studies, mostly using retrospective self-reported data. Negative, positive, and no dietary changes were reported in 7 (32%), 5 (23%), and 4 (18%) studies, respectively. Two (9%) studies did not specify the direction of change. Eight (36%) studies assessed adherence to dietary recommendations, with mixed results. Conclusions Evidence of the dietary quality and intake of cancer caregivers is inconclusive. Larger, longitudinal studies using validated measures, repeated observations, and comparison to dietary guidelines are needed to better understand the impacts of caregiving on diet.

Details

Title: Dietary Quality and Intake of Cancer Caregivers: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies and Recommendations for Future Research
Authors: Susannah K. Ayre (Corresponding Author) - Cancer Council Queensland
Katelyn E. Collins - Cancer Council Queensland
Xanthia E. Bourdaniotis - Cancer Council Queensland
Grace L. Rose - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Gosia Boardman - Queensland University of Technology
Constantina Depaune - Queensland University of Technology
Belinda C. Goodwin - Cancer Council Queensland
Elizabeth A. Johnston - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Cancer Medicine, Vol.14(3), pp.1-23
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70668
ISSN: 2045-7634
PMID: 39927738; PMC11808751
Copyright note: © 2025 The Author(s). Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Data Availability: The data included in the systematic review are available within this article, complete with references.
Organisation Unit: Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991127506002621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Oncology

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