Colorectal cancer and cardiac risk reduction using computer-assisted dietary counseling in a low-income minority population.

Three nurses offered computer-assisted 24-hour dietary analysis to patients waiting to see their physicians in a general medicine clinic in a public hospital. The nurses showed the participants their results, recommended food substitutions, and suggested reevaluation of the patients' diets at their next scheduled clinic visit. Follow-up data showed a decrease in fat, dietary cholesterol, kilocalories, and weight, and an increase in dietary fiber. This article discusses the use of this and other interventions to assist low-income minority patients in understanding and complying with dietary recommendations that promote cardiovascular health and decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer.