Nutrition education intervention for children with cancer and their parents

Pediatric cancer in Chile is the leading cause of death resulting from disease in children, with an incidence of 14.5 per 100,000 children under 15 years of age. Overweight or obesity can be a possible side effect of treatment, and parents are key agents in influencing child habits. In this study, an educational program on healthy eating was developed directed at parents of children with cancer with the aim of contributing positively to diet quality. Twelve children with cancer were involved in the research together with their parents/guardians. A nutritional evaluation was carried out considering weight, height, waist circumference and skin folds. Diet was analyzed based on a 24-hour dietary recall, a 3-day diet diary and a frequency consumption survey (initial/final). Six nutrition education sessions were carried out. The results show a high prevalence of overweight and abdominal obesity, along with a high intake of candy, pastry products and sugary beverages, coupled with a low intake of fruit, vegetables, fish and water. After conducting educational intervention, a decrease in the consumption of unhealthy foods and an increase in healthy foods was achieved. Children with cancer in our sample had high levels of overweight and obesity and unhealthy eating habits, which is consistent with the results of a large part of studies carried out in this population. This can, however, be positively modified by engaging them and their parents/ guardians in nutrition education.