Observational study on Lifestyle Behaviours and Nutrition in individuals undergoing genetic counseling for breast or colorectal cancer risk
BACKGROUND: Healthy lifestyles are associated with cancer risk reduction. Individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes may be motivated to adopt health-protective behaviours. OBJECTIVE: This study explored lifestyle behaviours associated to cancer risk reduction among individuals undergoing brea...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Milano University Press
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Dissertation Nursing |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://riviste.unimi.it/index.php/dissertationnursing/article/view/25499 |
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| Summary: | BACKGROUND:
Healthy lifestyles are associated with cancer risk reduction. Individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes may be motivated to adopt health-protective behaviours.
OBJECTIVE:
This study explored lifestyle behaviours associated to cancer risk reduction among individuals undergoing breast or colorectal cancer familial risk assessment.
METHOD:
A cross-sectional survey was performed through a self-administered questionnaire, including: the Italian validated Medi-Lite and the International Physical Activity validated questionnaires (to assess adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Physical activity), items on cancer risk perception, lifestyle and surveillance.
RESULTS:
Forty-two women and eight men (age: 19-80 years) responded; 19 were affected by breast cancer, four by colorectal cancer, 27 were unaffected but had a family history of breast (n=23) or colorectal (n=4) cancer. The majority perceived their general lifestyle as moderately healthy. However, 16 (32%) were current or former smokers, 37 (74%) drank alcohol and 18 (36%) were overweight or obese; 21 (42%) showed low adherence to Mediterranean diet and seven (14%) reported low exercise. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was generally low (Medi-Lite score: 8.8±2.6): a low adherence was significantly more frequent in participants of lower education level (67%), compared to those with high education level (17%; p=0.044). Participants at higher cancer risk were significantly more likely to smoke: 63% of those at high risk, 40% at intermediate risk and 14% at standard risk were current or former smokers (p <0.05).
CONCLUSION:
These findings suggest a need for raising awareness on the role of the lifestyle in cancer risk modulation among individuals at increased familial risk.
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| ISSN: | 2785-7263 |