Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) face increased morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. Diet quality is an important modifiable factor influencing long-term outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the diet quality of young adult CCS and compare it with age- and gender-matched peers.
Methods:
Dietary intake from 25 young adult CCS was assessed using the Automated Self-Administered Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24) and compared with 100 age- and gender-matched healthy control participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018. Differences in Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2020 total and component scores were analyzed using independent t-tests.
Results:
Overall, HEI scores did not differ between CCS and controls (p = 0.76). The CCS sample had a significantly higher intake of the following adequacy components: whole fruit (p = 0.03), total vegetables (p = 0.01), greens and beans (p = 0.01), total protein foods (p < 0.001), and dairy (p = 0.03). However, the CCS sample also reported a significantly lower unsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratio (p = 0.01) and a higher total fatty acid intake (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Excessive consumption of saturated and total fatty acids may exacerbate long-term health risks; therefore, young adult CCSs may benefit from cancer-specific education and resources to encourage reducing unhealthy food consumption.
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