Journal article
Diet quality, eating behaviour, and mental health outcomes of prostate cancer survivors
Journal of cancer survivorship, Vol.First online
21/11/2025
PMID: 41272331
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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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.
Details
- Title
- Diet quality, eating behaviour, and mental health outcomes of prostate cancer survivors
- Creators
- Hattie H Wright - University of the Sunshine CoastCorey Linton - University of the Sunshine CoastSuzanne Broadbent - University of the Sunshine CoastKarina T Rune - University of the Sunshine CoastCindy Davis - University of the Sunshine CoastAnao Zhang - University of MichiganJacob J Keech - Griffith University
- Publication Details
- Journal of cancer survivorship, Vol.First online
- Publisher
- Springer Nature; NEW YORK
- Grant note
- This research was supported by the Internal Funding Scheme, LAUNCH of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation from the University. Grant number 0980027666.
- Identifiers
- 991013329980402368
- Copyright
- © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article