Cancer is the leading cause of death in Coos County — nearly double the state average. Research shows that eating more fruits and vegetables can improve outcomes for cancer patients. Yet fewer than 15% of Coos County residents eat the recommended five daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
OSU Extension’s WE CAN project helped fill critical gaps in cancer care and nutrition support in rural southwest Oregon.
At the same time, the county has limited access to nutrition professionals. Just one of the 10 health care sites in Coos County employs a registered dietitian. Without local experts, health care providers often don’t screen for diet because they have no referral options.
In response, the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University awarded funding in 2019 to the Oregon State University Extension Service Family and Community Health Program. The funding supported a study called WE CAN (Wellness Education for Cancer Nutrition). The study aimed to increase fruit and vegetable intake by developing screening tools, nutrition resources and referral strategies.
Stephanie Polizzi, an associate professor of practice in the OSU Extension Family and Community Health Program in the College of Health, served as the study’s principal investigator.
The study included two phases:
Tier 1: Assessing the gapFrom February 2019 to February 2020, the team surveyed health care providers at all 10 health sites in Coos County. They also surveyed cancer survivors and caregivers to learn how nutrition factored into their treatment experience. Follow-up surveys and focus groups identified several gaps in care.
Based on the findings, participants proposed three potential solutions:
- A simple nutrition assessment tool to screen for fruit and vegetable intake
- Evidence-based nutrition guidelines emphasizing plant-based eating
- A resource brochure to connect patients with local food access and education
Survey results showed that providers valued nutrition but lacked the training and resources to address it. This highlighted the need for local dietitians and certified health coaches in cancer care.
Tier 2: Building solutionsFrom February 2020 to February 2021, the team adapted a validated screening tool that includes a nutrition risk score. They developed a one-page guide for health care staff that suggests referral options based on a patient’s risk level. For patients, they created a three-page handout with simple, practical tips for improving diet in each food category.
WE CAN also produced a 52-page Nutrition Resource Guide listing food banks, meal sites and OSU Extension resources in Coos and Curry counties. The guide includes trusted websites, books and cookbooks about nutrition and disease, plus training options for health care professionals.
All interventions were piloted at the Bay Area Cancer Center in Coos County.
Results and outcomes- The Bay Area Cancer Center expanded the number of days their dietitian meets with patients.
- OSU Extension hosted a Health Coach Certification Training in fall 2020 to expand referral options in the region. Six local agencies sent 30 staff members to participate. Those who completed certification are now listed in the Nutrition Resource Guide.
- In addition to the pilot, more than 1,200 printed guides were distributed to partners across Coos and Curry counties. The digital version was shared with over 70 local organizations.
By developing practical, evidence-based resources and supporting local health workers, OSU Extension’s WE CAN project helped fill critical gaps in cancer care and nutrition support in rural southwest Oregon.
