Recording a patient diet over the radical course of radiotherapy for prostate cancer using a diet diary: A feasibility study

Abstract

Aims: To obtain an estimate of dietary fibre and fluid intake in Australian men undergoing prostate radiotherapy and to establish feasibility and patient compliance with recording normal diet without intervention during the radical course of radiotherapy. Methods: Eleven participants were enrolled and treated with 74-78 Gray (Gy) to the prostate over 8 weeks. Participants were instructed to record a diary of their food and fluid intake and bowel motions for the duration of treatment. Treating radiation therapists were instructed to initial the diet diary daily. Diet diaries were assessed for compliance by analysing the number of days over the treatment period and the number of diary pages submitted. The diet diaries were analysed for nutrient intake of fibre and fluids. Results: A total of 10 of 11 participants submitted a diet record for the full duration of treatment with a median compliance of 100% (range 90.4-100%) of days recorded. The mean (standard deviation) of fibre and fluids recorded in the diets were 21.5 g (5.5) and 2227.1 g (733.1), respectively. Conclusions: It is feasible for patients to record a diet diary over a radical course of prostate radiotherapy. In this study, most patients were highly compliant with submitting a diet record for each day during treatment. © 2013 Cambridge University Press.