Vegetable Garden Feasibility Trial to Promote Function in Older Cancer Survivors

The proposed feasibility study relies on the extant infra-structure of the Alabama Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program. A total of 46 older (≥65 years) cancer survivors recently diagnosed with a loco-regionally staged cancer with a good prognosis (i.e., ≥ 80% 5-year survival) and with 2 or more physical function limitations will be recruited from select rural and urban counties in Alabama and randomized to 1-of-2 study arms: 1) an intervention group that receives a 1-year mentored vegetable gardening intervention that pairs cancer survivors with certified Master Gardeners, or 2) a usual care control group that is observed during the year, but receives the gardening supplies at study completion. Aims of this study are to: 1) explore the feasibility and acceptability of a mentored vegetable gardening intervention by assessing accrual, retention, adherence, fidelity, and possible adverse events, 2) obtain means and precision estimates, and explore between-arm differences on pre-post changes in physical function and secondary endpoints (e.g., quality of life, fruit & vegetable intake, physical activity, etc.), and 3) to explore participant factors associated with program efficacy (e.g., gender, comorbidity).

Inclusion criteria

• diagnosed with a loco-regionally staged cancer associated with an 60% or greater 5-year survival rate (localized and regional staged breast, Hodgkin lymphoma, prostate, ovary, endometrial, colorectal and thyroid cancers; localized cervix, kidney/renal pelvis, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, oral cavity/pharynx, small intestine, bladder and soft tissue cancers; and in situ bladder & breast cancer); and distant Hodgkin Lymphoma, and Testicular cancers.
• resides in select counties in Alabama;
• completed primary curative cancer treatments, i.e., surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy;
• at higher risk of functional decline (≥ 1 physical function (PF) limitations as defined by the SF36 PF subscale);
• currently eats less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables/day;
• exercises less than 150 minutes/ week;
• speaks, reads and writes in English
• reside in a location that can accommodate 4 or more Earthboxes or 1-raised bed (4'x 8'), and that get at least 4 hours of sun a day with running water;
• willing to be randomized to either study arm and participate in the follow-up.

Exclusion criteria

• history of lymphedema flares and axillary node dissection of 10 or more lymph nodes on one side of the body;
• not competent due to mental health or other very serious comorbid conditions (e.g., severe orthopedic conditions or scheduled for a hip or knee replacement with 6 months, paralysis, unstable angina or who have experienced a myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure or pulmonary conditions that require hospitalization or oxygen within 6 months, stroke, degenerative neurological conditions);
• currently taking pharmacologic doses of warfarin (does not include doses taken to maintain a port); or
• plants a vegetable garden at least annually