How can in-person group sessions help Latina breast cancer survivors eat more fruit and vegetables?

Latina breast cancer survivors often face barriers to healthy eating after treatment. A 2026 clinical trial tested whether culturally tailored in-person group sessions could help them eat more fruits and vegetables. The answer is yes: women who attended these sessions significantly increased their daily servings of fruits and vegetables compared to those who did not ⁴¹¹.

What the research says

The ¡Mi Vida Saludable! (My Healthy Life!) trial randomly assigned 167 Latina breast cancer survivors to one of four groups: in-person group sessions alone, eHealth alone, both, or a control group ¹⁰¹¹. All participants received a Fitbit and one-on-one health coaching ⁴¹¹. The in-person group sessions included nutrition education, cooking classes, fitness classes, a grocery store visit, and social activities, all offered in Spanish and English ⁴¹¹. At the 12-month follow-up, women who attended the in-person group sessions (with or without eHealth) ate significantly more servings of fruits and vegetables each day than the control group ⁴¹¹. The study found that the in-person component was key to improving diet, while eHealth alone did not produce the same effect ⁴¹¹. The high retention rate (93.4% at 12 months) suggests the program was well-received and feasible for this population ⁴¹¹.

What to ask your doctor

• Are there any local programs or support groups for Latina breast cancer survivors that include nutrition classes or cooking demonstrations?
• Would a program like ¡Mi Vida Saludable! be appropriate for my current health status and treatment stage?
• How can I find culturally tailored dietary resources that address my specific needs as a Latina breast cancer survivor?
• What are the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables for breast cancer survivors, and how can I incorporate them into my diet?