Abstract 6697: The role of microbiomes in pediatric cancer prevention: A survey of population awareness

Abstract

Abstract Background: Gut microbiome includes the genome of all gut microorganisms; it plays a crucial role in the body’s nutritional, metabolic, physiological, and immunological processes. Persistent imbalance of the gut microbial community is associated with the onset of metabolic and inflammatory disorders, including cancer. The environment has a major role in the great variability of microbiome composition among different people. This high heterogeneity between individuals may be a source of differences in susceptibility to disease. Dietary and lifestyle choices as well as social interactions play a significant role in makeup and function of the gut microbiota, which may affect microbiome-associated diseases. Therefore, strategies that might favorably modulate the gut microbiota to reduce the risk of cancer through diet and lifestyle changes are of great interest. Aim: To detect and increase self-awareness about gut microbiota and its relation to diet and lifestyle habits. Methods: A survey questionnaire is provided asking for microbiome knowledge and lifestyle habits and distributed among the population in Madina city in Saudi Arabia. Study population are the children aged 2-18 years. Data gathered from older children or the parents/guardian of young children. Results: A profile involving each participant’ diet, physical activity, and sociodemographic characteristics through self- reporting questionnaire is obtained. Discussion: Gut microbiota can regulate many functions of the tumor-bearing meta-organism, typically through immunomodulation. Known microbial mechanisms can alter non-hematopoietic and hematopoietic components of the gut epithelial barrier, modulate lymphoid organ activities, and regulate immune tone of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Conclusion: Understanding information about microbiome and its role in causing diseases as well as each participant’ diet, physical activity and other sociodemographic characteristics help to raise participants’ awareness about the importance of taking care of their gut health. Citation Format: Abeer Abd Elmoneim, Mona Alhassan Alshanqiti, Yara Saad Aljohani, Lubna Hosain Alomari. The role of microbiomes in pediatric cancer prevention: A survey of population awareness [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6697.