Does Family History of Cancer Influence Undergoing Screening and Gastrointestinal Investigations?

Abstract

Background and Aims: Although a family history of cancer (FHC) can modify the lifestyle and attitudes towards participation in cancer screening programs, studies on this relationship show mixed results and vary across populations. The objectives of the study were to compare sociodemographic characteristics, history of gastrointestinal (GI) investigations and Helicobacter pylori eradication, and modifiable cancer risk factors between those with FHC and those with no FHC (NFHC), and to investigate the association between FHC and a history of GI investigations.
 Methods: A total of 3,455 questionnaires from the pilot study of the “Helicobacter pylori eradication and pepsinogen testing for prevention of gastric cancer mortality (GISTAR study)” in Latvia were analysed. We compared sociodemographic characteristics and history of GI investigations between participants with self- reported FHC and NFHC. Binary logistic regression models adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics and modifiable cancer risk factors were built for a FHC and each GI investigation.
 Results: Participants with a FHC were more likely to be women, have a higher education and less likely to have harmful habits (smoking, alcohol consumption) than those with NFHC. Participants with a FHC were approximately twice as likely to report recent colorectal investigations specifically for screening, than those with NFHC. In fully adjusted logistic regression models, FHC was significantly associated with a recent history of faecal occult blood tests (FOBTs), colonoscopies, and colorectal investigations (FOBT or colonoscopy) specifically for screening as part of the national organized screening programme.
 Conclusion. Our results indicate that those with a FHC have different patterns of health-related behaviour than those with NFHC.

Lifestyle and dietary factors associated with serologically detected gastric atrophy in a Caucasian population in the GISTAR study

“…Dietary habits, alcohol consumption, and smoking could be indirect markers of socioeconomic status, which has been linked to both H. pylori and gastric cancer risk (Uthman et al, 2013;Eusebi et al, 2014). Moreover, H. pylori prevalence was associated with current and former smoking in our previous research (Razuka-Ebela et al, 2020). Socioeconomic status could affect the inverse association observed between sGA and smoking, with H. pylori a potential confounding factor.…”

Study of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and its relationship with lifestyle habits and dietary nutrient intake: A retrospective analysis

“…Similarly, long-term work stress can also affect the immune function of patients, leading to weakened resistance and making the body more susceptible to Hp infection. [ 20 , 21 ] Additionally, alcohol consumption and the consumption of spicy foods, known for their high stimulation, can increase stomach acid secretion and irritate the gastric mucosa. This compromises the protective barrier of the mucosa and makes it more susceptible to Hp invasion.…”

To Be Screened or Not to Be...? Psyche First?

“…Jaroslaw Regula 1,2 Po p u l at i o n a d h e re n c e t o c a n c e r s c r e e n i n g re c om m e n d at i on s i s n ot satisfactory in many countries. Public Health organizations have struggled to find ways to improve the situation.…”

“…Research is ongoing; however, no ideal methodology has been found, so far. In this issue of the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases two very interesting and valuable research studies on this topic are presented [1,2].…”

“…A second study in the current issue of the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases on the topic, offered the answer to a question whether knowledge of positive cancer family history may influence the decision to undergo colorectal cancer screening [2]. Naturally, the intuitive answer is "yes".…”