Lifestyle Interventions through Participatory Research: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review of Alcohol and Other Breast Cancer Behavioural Risk Factors

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women globally. Sex and advancing age represent the dominant risk factors, with strong evidence of alcohol as a modifiable risk factor. The carcinogenic nature of alcohol has been known for over twenty years; however, this has failed to translate into significant behavioural, practice, or policy change. As a result, women have not benefitted from this research and, by extension, have been exposed to unnecessary breast cancer risk. Participatory research presents a solution to research translation in public health through the collaboration of impacted populations with academics in research. This systematic review examines peer-reviewed research studies where participants were involved in the research process and the outcomes related to breast cancer prevention (either alcohol or broader lifestyle modification). Seven of the eight studies reported positive effects, and the collaboration between academic researchers and impacted populations may have supported positive outcomes. Women were receptive and responsive to participatory approaches, and their participation is important to address socially entrenched behaviours such as alcohol consumption. Participatory research presents opportunities for future interventions to improve (or address) modifiable risk factors for breast cancer.

The “Breast-4Y” web app for breast cancer prevention at young age: Development, evaluation, and validation

“…There are several methods described in the literature to improve the adoption of healthy lifestyle and awareness and recognition of breast cancer symptoms ( Han et al, 2018 ; Houghton et al, 2019 ; Mühlberger et al, 2021 ; O'Mahony et al, 2017 ; Thomas et al, 2022 ; Usher-Smith et al, 2018 ). During the past decade, digital health has consistently been shown to be useful to breast cancer prevention, management and care ( Houghton et al, 2019 ; Jongerius et al, 2019 ).…”

Promote Community Engagement in Participatory Research for Improving Breast Cancer Prevention: The P.I.N.K. Study Framework

“…Observed barriers to clinicians referring patients to exercise programming include the belief that it is not within the scope of practice for oncology clinicians. The lack of systems for triage incorporating physical activity assessment as a standard part of chronic patient health care is a further limitation [ 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”

“…Our hypothesis is that the use of electronic or mobile tools [ 35 ] together with a community-based participatory research approach could help to overcome these limitations [ 32 , 33 , 36 ].…”