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[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Health behavior correlates of women with and without cancer histories

Ray Marks, EdD1, Haean Ok, EdD2, and John Allegrante, PhD1. (1) Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, 212-463-4053, rm226@columbia.edu, (2) Health Education, Mokwon University and Teachers College, 525 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027

Background: Higher adiposity is an independent risk factor for breast cancer in elderly women (Krebs et al., 2006). Objective: Given the high rates of cancer among American women, our objective was to explore the extent to which modifiable behaviors or beliefs might be associated with having cancer, or a specific cancer type. We specifically wanted to obtain evidence that could be useful for reducing the present cancer burden. Data Source: We analyzed the data provided by the 2003 HINTS for 520 white, Hispanic, African-American and other ethnic American women with cancer and 3282 without a cancer history. Results: Women with history of breast, cervical, endometrial or colon cancer were heavier on average than women with no cancer history or other forms of cancer (n=231). Women with cervical, colon or endometrial cancer stated they did not exercise enough to sweat to the same degree as healthy women or women with other forms of cancer. Fewer women with endometrial and colon cancer said they believed exercise lowers the risk for cancer. Women with breast, cervical, endometrial and colon cancer had smoked to a greater extent than healthy women. Women with endometrial and cervical cancer histories reported more depression than those with other forms of cancer. Conclusion: Lifestyle and beliefs may mediate or moderate some forms of cancer and the type of cancer may influence psychological and physical outcomes differentially. These findings if corroborated could help educators to develop comprehensive lifestyle modification interventions that could reduce the present cancer burden experienced by women.

Learning Objectives:

  • Background