Food Research Institute

Minárik, P. – Mináriková, D. – Szűcs, G. – Golian, J.
Public awareness of food and other lifestyle-related factors towards cancer development among adults in Slovakia: a pilot study
Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 55, 2016, No. 4, s. 342-351

Daniela Mináriková, Department of Organisation and Management of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University, Odbojárov 10, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia.. Tel.: +4212 5011 7341, e-mail: minarikova@fpharm.uniba.sk

Received 16 September 2016; 1st revised 18 October 2016; accepted 24 October 2016; published online 12 November 2016

Summary: Based on observational evidence, approximately 30–40?% of cancers could be prevented through introduction of healthier food, nutrition and other lifestyle habits and patterns. Knowledge of diet and lifestyle factors that modify cancer risks and prevention is an important tool to achieve appropriate behavioural changes. In USA and in some other countries, cancer awareness studies have been performed on regular basis. In Slovakia, evaluation of public awareness about cancer risk factors is rare. The main objective of this study was to evaluate modifiable cancer risk factors awareness among adults in a selected Slovakian region and to investigate what is the influence of body mass index and personal or family history of cancer on this knowledge. A cross-sectional survey was carried out and 234 randomly selected adult respondents were anonymously interviewed by a questionnaire on the awareness of 20 various diet and lifestyle factors, with a question, which of them represent risk for cancer. The results of the study showed low awareness of recognized cancer risk factors. Body weight and personal or family history of cancer did not substantially change this knowledge. The study confirms the need for targeted and continuous anticancer educational interventions in Slovakia, in particular in the high-risk population.

Keywords: cancer; awareness; food; lifestyle; risk factors

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