Fostering multiple healthy lifestyle behaviors for primary prevention of cancer.

Abstract

Synopsis The odds of developing cancer are increased by specific lifestyle behaviors (tobacco use, excess energy and alcohol intakes, low fruit and vegetable intake, physical inactivity, risky sexual behaviors, and inadequate sun protection). These behaviors are largely absent in childhood, emerge and tend to cluster over the lifespan, and show an increased prevalence among those disadvantaged by low education or income or minority status. Even though risk behaviors are modifiable, few are diminishing in the population over time. We review the prevalence and population distribution of these behaviors and apply an ecological model to describe effective or promising healthy lifestyle interventions targeted to the individual, the sociocultural context, or environmental and policy influences. We suggest that implementing multiple health behavior change interventions across several ecological levels could substantially reduce the prevalence of cancer and the burden it places on the public and the health care system. We note important still unresolved questions about which behaviors can be intervened upon simultaneously in order to maximize positive behavioral synergies, minimize negative ones, and effectively engage underserved populations. We conclude that interprofessional collaboration is needed to appropriately evaluate and convey the value of primary prevention of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Red and processed meat consumption and mortality: dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

“…In our study, the pooled results showed that higher consumption of processed meat was associated with risk (40) . The associations between unprocessed red meat consumption and mortality risk were inconsistent among different populations, which are unexpected and seem confusing.…”

Development and evaluation of the See Me Smoke-Free multi-behavioral mHealth app for women smokers

“…There has been long-standing controversy as to the feasibility and effectiveness of interventions targeting multiple behaviors [86][87][88]. However, a growing body of literature has demonstrated the feasibility of these types of interventions [40,89,90] and suggests that positive changes can be made across multiple behaviors [39,40,91].…”

Does Familial History of Cancer Affect the General Health Conditions and Healthy Lifestyle Behavior of Nursing and Midwifery Students?

“…Bad dietary habits, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, high risk sexual behavior, and exposure to the sun without protection are all among preventable causes for cancer (15). In our study, the students stated the most important factors causing cancer as stress, smoking, and genetic predilection.…”

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