Examining the knowledge and perception of the lifestyle risk factors for cancer development among cancer survivors in Ireland and development of an educational tool

Background: The cancer landscape is changing and the picture emerging is a complex one that recognizes some cancers as preventable. Previous international and Irish research has explored the public’s knowledge of cancer... [ view full abstract ]

Background: The cancer landscape is changing and the picture emerging is a complex one that recognizes some cancers as preventable. Previous international and Irish research has explored the public’s knowledge of cancer risk based on lifestyle risk, but to date no research in Ireland had explored cancer survivors’ knowledge of the lifestyle risk factors for developing cancer.

Aim of study: The purpose of this research was to investigate cancer survivors’ knowledge of lifestyle risk factors for cancer, perception of their personal lifestyle risk and motivation for change.

Methodology: Based on existing research that identified the lifestyle risk factors for cancer, a questionnaire was developed. Face and content validity were assessed and the tool amended. Tests for stability and internal consistency demonstrated reliability of the questionnaire. Validity was established by administering the questionnaires to two groups of subjects who were expected to differ in their knowledge of the subject. Construct validity was shown to be high. Ethical approval was obtained. Using a non-experimental design the confidential questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of cancer survivors currently undergoing follow-up care in Ireland.

Results: The response rate was 69.5% with a valid sample size of 414. Despite recent health education attempts in Ireland, smoking and exposure to passive smoking was not universally accepted as risk factors. Participants did recognize that diet, alcohol consumption and physical exercise were risks factors for cancer but overall did not perceive their own personal risk for cancer to be linked to their specific lifestyle in relation to these variables. Since their cancer diagnosis the study participants had tried improve some aspects of their lifestyle. Despite stress not being a recognized risk factor for cancer, the participants overwhelmingly endorsed it. Myths abounded relating to other risk factors for cancer which have not been proven by emperic reserch.

Conclusion: This Irish study provides an indication of the knowledge deficits in regard to lifestyle adaptation for cancer prevention. In response to this, a web based app was developed. The web-based app is appropriate to patients’ needs and should improve knowledge of cancer prevention and will assist with health education strategies.