Association between Health Behaviors and a Family History of Cancer among Korean Women

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the health-related behaviors related to a family history of cancer (FHCA) among Korean women underwent cancer screening.Materials and MethodsA total of 8,956 women who underwent cancer screenings during 2001-2011 at the National Cancer Center, Korea, were analyzed. The association between health-related behaviors and a FHCA were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsCompared to women with no FHCA, women with FHCA were more likely to smoke (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 to 1.65), to be exposed to passive smoking (aOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.65), and less likely to engage in regular exercise (aOR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.41). Combined effects of selected health behaviors for FHCA were significant, although no statistically significant interactions were observed between selected health behaviors. Compared to women with no FHCA, women with FHCA were more likely to simultaneously smoke and be exposed to passive smoking (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.17 to 2.31) and to simultaneously smoke and be physically inactive (aOR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.00 to 2.64).ConclusionThe study found that women with a FHCA exhibited unhealthy behaviors compared to women without FHCA. Higher emphasis on lifestyle modifications using a new standardized tool is strongly recommended for those with a FHCA, as well as individuals who are at high risk, together with their family members.

Association Between Health Behaviors and Family History of Cancer in Cancer Survivors: Data From the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study

“…In a study that targeted Korean females, women with FHCA presented poorer health behaviors-more likely to smoke and have experience of passive smoking and less likely to exercise regularly-than women without FHCA. 28 However, another study reported that relatives of gastric cancer patients did not show significant differences in dietary habits and smoking compared with control groups, despite having significantly higher gastric cancer screening experience. 29 …”

<p>Genetic Liability to Smoking and Breast Cancer Risk</p>

“…breast cancer. Ham et al 7 reported that women with family history of cancer were more prone to simultaneously smoke and be exposed to passive smoking (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.17-2.31). Tobacco smoke contains a lot of carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic amines, and nitrosamines, which all promote the occurrence of breast cancer.…”

“…This MR analyses demonstrated a significant association of smoking with higher risk of overall and ER-positive breast cancer. Ham et al 7 reported that women with family history of cancer were more prone to simultaneously smoke and be exposed to passive smoking (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.17–2.31).…”

The impact of relationship to cancer patient and extent of caregiving on adherence to cancer screening in a diverse inner-city community

“…This may be further reinforced by the belief that genetic factors determine cancer risk, not lifestyle factors [17]. A recent study found that women held a strong misconception that heredity was the most important factor in developing breast and colorectal cancer [18].…”

“…However, this may be counterbalanced by demands on caregivers' time, finances, and motivation to take on another health issue. Cancer caregivers may be more inclined than others to consider cancer screening and early detection in terms of financial implications or cost-benefits [18]. Those exposed to cancer patients may observe firsthand the significant economic and physical burden of the disease and desire to prevent the same hardship for themselves and their families.…”