Study investigating firefighters’ awareness of cancer risk and dietary habits

Firefighters bear a disproportionate burden of risk for many cancers (including gastrointestinal and respiratory cancers) compared to the general population. Their experiences with cancer and their views on the extent to which diet helps reduce cancer risk have been previously investigated. This study revealed a relationship between dietary habits and cancer prevention awareness within the firefighting community. Understanding their perceptions can guide the development of targeted interventions to reduce cancer risk, highlighting the role of diet in cancer prevention among firefighters.

In recent research papers, Nutrition Education and Behavior JournalA paper published by Elsevier investigated American firefighters’ understanding of the history of cancer, attitudes toward cancer, and diet as a preventive measure against cancer.

Author Ashley Brown, Ph.D., TSET Center for Health Promotion Research, Stevenson Cancer Center, and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, explains: “Given the relationship between diet and cancer risk and the cancer risk among firefighters, it is of paramount importance to understand how these risk factors can be reduced through evidence-based interventions. .”
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This study employed a mixed-method cross-sectional design and recruited a national sample by contacting professional networks across the United States. This study used both quantitative and qualitative questions based on established research and the Health Belief Model, a tool that helps predict health behaviors, to assess participants’ cancer history and the importance of nutrition in cancer prevention. We collected data on role perceptions.

Data analysis included quantitative assessment and qualitative content analysis with SPSS statistical software to understand dietary changes for cancer risk reduction. A rigorous coding process was used to identify intervention strategies and nutrition-related factors. Specifically, qualitative responses were coded using the Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy Version 1 (BCTTv1) to help firefighters change their diet to established, evidence-based behavior change techniques to improve future We operationalized what they reported wanting to help inform the intervention.

471 people, including fire brigade members, participated. Almost half (48.4%) strongly agreed that there is a cancer risk, and 44.6% agreed that changing your diet can reduce your cancer risk. The most common BCTTv1 codes focused on types of teaching, such as “instructions on how to perform a behavior” (45.1%, n = 189), followed by codes centered on performing a behavior (e.g., “ followed by an action plan. [24.8%, n = 104]). Qualitatively, many were concerned about misinformation and wanted to know exactly how much risk reduction they could achieve by changing their diet. Many also expressed concerns about system-level barriers, such as the food environment in fire stations.

This research helps firefighters go beyond macro- and micro-level changes to the food environment to address their specific risks and implement the most important potential changes to reduce cancer risk. This suggests that you would like individualized support. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened concerns about misinformation, including in nutrition-related areas, and the need for reliable, specific information to help make informed dietary decisions. It is emphasized. Future research is encouraged to consider these findings to develop firefighter-focused interventions and explore similar strategies for other tactical populations.

Dr. Brown commented: “Consistent with previous research, we found that firefighters were aware of their increased cancer risk and were willing to change their diets to improve their health. Although there was some doubt about the effect of cancer on cancer risk, most participants had no history of cancer. It is. ”