Receptivity and preferences of pancreatic cancer family members for participating in lifestyle programs to reduce cancer risk

Lisa A Howell,Kari G Rabe,Tabetha A Brockman,Christi A Patten,Carmen Radecki Breitkopf,Paul A Decker,Pamela S Sinicrope,Shawna L Ehlers,Ashley Nadeau,Gloria M Petersen

doi:10.1186/1897-4287-11-3

Abstract

BackgroundCancer is a shared family experience that might provide an opportunity for lifestyle change among at-risk family members. The purpose of this study was to assess receptivity and preferences for cancer risk reduction programs among at-risk family members with two or more relatives affected with pancreas cancer.MethodsWe surveyed 401 at-risk family members in an existing pancreatic cancer family registry. Participants completed a mailed survey which examined demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates of willingness to participate in lifestyle cancer risk reduction programs. Multivariable generalized estimating equation approaches were used to model preferences.ResultsOverall, 85% (n = 342) of at-risk family members were receptive to lifestyle cancer risk reduction programs. Participant preferred programs focused on nutrition (36%, n = 116) and weight management (33%, n = 108), with Web/Internet (46%, n = 157) being the most preferred delivery channel. Most respondents preferred to participate in programs with their family or friends (74%, n = 182), rather than alone (25%, n = 85). In multivariable analysis, younger age (p = 0.008) and higher perceived likelihood of developing cancer (p = 0.03) were associated with willingness to participate in lifestyle programs.ConclusionsFamily members of those with pancreatic cancer are receptive to cancer risk reduction programs focusing on nutrition and weight management delivered via the internet. Further research is indicated to determine how to best incorporate a family-based approach when designing lifestyle intervention programs.

Highlights

Cancer is a shared family experience and awareness of an increased cancer risk due to family history may provide an opportunity for cancer risk reduction behaviors among at-risk but unaffected family members
All respondents had one or more family members affected by pancreatic cancer (PC)
This study assessed the receptivity and preferences of atrisk family members from a PC family registry to participate in cancer risk reduction programs

Summary

Introduction

Cancer is a shared family experience and awareness of an increased cancer risk due to family history may provide an opportunity for cancer risk reduction behaviors among at-risk but unaffected family members. With this in mind, it may be logical to approach behavior change efforts at the familial level. It may be logical to approach behavior change efforts at the familial level This situation is especially salient in the case of pancreatic cancer (PC), given its poor. The purpose of this study was to assess receptivity and preferences for cancer risk reduction programs among at-risk family members with two or more relatives affected with pancreas cancer

Objectives

Results

Conclusion