Assessment of quality of nutrition information materials for pelvic cancer patients in the UK

Abstract

Background: A cancer diagnosis serves as a 'teachable moment' for patients to consider health behaviours, such as diet. Patients diagnosed with a pelvic malignancy (prostate, bladder, rectum or gynaecology) are often interested in changing their dietary habits to improve symptoms and/or their future health. However, lack of access to information from healthcare professionals may prompt them to seek advice from online sources. Aim(s): The aim of the study is to evaluate the quality of online patient information materials (PIMs) in relation to nutrition for pelvic cancer patients. Method(s): PIMs were identified by searching in Public Sector organisations, Cancer Centres and registered charities throughout the UK. Content was assessed with an evidence-based checklist and readability with widely used readability formulas. High content and low readability scores indicate a high-quality PIM. Result(s): A total of 20 PIMs were identified; four PIMs were pelvic cancer-specific (prostate, bladder and bowel cancer) and 16 were relevant for all cancers. The NHS Choices website had no online information specifically on diet and cancer. There was high variability in content quality (22-36/40). The average readability level corresponds to the reading ability of 13-to 14-year-olds in the UK. Sixty percent of the materials scored equal to or higher than the upper acceptable reading level (US 8th grade). Conclusion(s): This study shows the lack of targeted, reliable and easy to understand online patient information about diet and nutrition in pelvic cancer. The content and language of some of the current materials may need to be revised.