The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44883

Catherine R. Messina, PhD and Dorothy S. Lane, MD, MPH. School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, HSC-L3, Room 089, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8036, 631-444-8266, cmessina@notes.cc.sunysb.edu

Approximately 25% of all CRC cases can be explained by non-modifiable factors such as family history¹. Modifiable lifestyle factors such diet, exercise, obesity, smoking and alcohol are also thought to influence the development of CRC². Understanding the contribution of modifiable and non-modifiable factors to disease risk is a determinant of health behavior and cancer screening³. Perceptions of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for CRC were assessed through telephone interviews of a random sample of 1305 community-living women and men (aged 50-80 years) living on Long Island, New York. Those with a previous history of CRC or polyps were excluded. Respondents most frequently cited non-modifiable risk factors for CRC - having a personal or family history of CRC, prior history of adenomatous polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease - as increasing chances for CRC (92%-82%, respectively). 69% of respondents reported that older age increased risk for CRC. 80% reported that low intake of fruits and vegetables increased risk for CRC. However, respondents were less knowledgeable of the influence of other modifiable life-style factors such as alcohol, physical activity, obesity, consumption of red meat, and cigarettes on CRC risk, more frequently reporting "don't know" or "no effect" for these items (47%-36%, respectively). Relationships between perceptions of modifiable and non-modifiable risk and health behaviors of respondents were also explored. The discussion will include implications of study findings for behavior change, CRC screening, and prevention. Community interventions being tested by our NCI project to increase screening through enhanced knowledge of CRC risk are described.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

(
• Identify perceptions of modifiable lifestyle behaviors and non-modifiable factors as risk factors for colorectal cancer screening (CRC) among women and men aged 50-75 years. (
• Discuss application of study findings to planning of intervention strategies aimed at increasing CRC screening through improvements in knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable CRC risk factors.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Risk Factors

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.