Oral Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Nutritional status, needs and outcomes in adolescents and young adults with cancer: Findings from the AYCANN study (126599)

Andrew Murnane 1 , Erin Laing 2 , Belinda Steer 2 , Jeremy Lewin 1 , Heather Gilbertson 3 , Elizabeth Mount 4 , Mary Anne Silvers 5 , June Savva 5 , Jodie Bartle 3 , Kristin Mellett 5 , Pasquale Fedele 6 , Lisa Orme 7 , Leanne Super 8 , Jenelle Loeliger 2 , Jacqueline Osborne 9 , Kate Thompson 1
  1. Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  2. Nutrition & Speech Pathology Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  3. Nutrition & Food Services Department, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
  4. Nutrition & Dietetics, Monash Children’s Hospital, Clayton, VIC, Australia
  5. Nutrition & Dietetics, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
  6. Department of Haematology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
  7. Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
  8. Children’s Cancer Centre, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
  9. Clinical Nutrition Department, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia

Background:
Adolescents and young adults (AYA; aged 15–25 years) undergoing cancer treatment face unique challenges that can significantly impact their nutritional status, growth, development, and overall well-being. While malnutrition and related complications are well documented in paediatric and adult populations, there remains limited understanding of the specific nutritional needs and outcomes of AYA patients.

Methods:
The Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Nutrition (AYCANN) Project employed a mixed-methods design across three interrelated studies. Study 1 was a prospective observational study assessing nutritional status, muscle mass and function, and health-related quality of life at four time-points over six months post-diagnosis. Study 2 involved focus groups with AYA cancer patients to explore their nutrition experiences, unmet needs, and preferences for support. Study 3 used focus groups with oncology healthcare professionals to examine current nutrition care practices, education needs, and service delivery models.

Results:
Among 81 participants, 42% were malnourished at some point during the study, with the highest prevalence at diagnosis (37%). Malnutrition was more common in patients treated in paediatric centres (58%) compared to adult centres (30%). Weight loss was prevalent throughout, peaking at 43% at four months. Nutrition-related concerns such as body image, mood, and dissatisfaction with hospital food were frequently reported. Access to dietetic care varied, with contact ranging from 23–56%, with higher support rates in paediatric settings. Focus group findings highlighted inconsistent nutrition support, limited resources tailored to AYA, and a need for earlier intervention.

Conclusions:
The AYCANN study reveals a high burden of malnutrition and weight loss among AYA with cancer, alongside variable access to nutrition care. Findings support earlier dietitian engagement, standardised screening and referral pathways to optimise nutritional outcomes and the development of targeted AYA-specific nutrition resources.