Dietary Modifications for Bowel Dysfunction in Rectal Cancer Survivors: the Altering Intake, Managing Symptoms (AIMS) Intervention Study.

141Background: Rectal cancer survivors often experience persistent long-term effects of treatment. Functional deficits, such as bowel dysfunction, are associated with poor quality of life (QOL). There is a lack of evidence-based interventions to address bowel dysfunction symptoms in rectal cancer survivors. The purpose of this abstract is to describe the development and design of the Altering Intake, Managing Symptoms (AIMS) intervention to manage bowel dysfunction in rectal cancer survivors. Methods: Survivors with stage I-III rectosigmoid colon or rectal cancer who are 6 months post-treatment, > 21 years, and English-speaking are eligible to participate. The AIMS intervention is a ten (30-40 minute) session, 4 month, telephone-based intervention delivered by trained health coaches. Outcome measures are assessed at baseline, 4 and 6 months, and include the MSKCC Bowel Function Tool, the COH-QOL-CRC, and adherence to cancer survivorship diet guidelines. Results: Based on the Chronic Care Self-Management M...