An Assessment of Behavioral Risk Factors in Oncology Patients

Abstract

An evaluation of the behavioral risk factors that contribute to the incidence and evolution of cancer in oncology patients was conducted through a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire completed by 206 patients (101 men and 105 women) diagnosed with various types of cancer. These patients were selected from different oncology centers in Romania, located in Bucharest and Constanta. Among the respondents, 91 are of normal weight, 12 are underweight, 62 are overweight, and 41 are obese, with overweight individuals predominating (p = 0.799). Regarding the presence of behavioral risk factors that can aggravate oncological pathology, it is found that 10 respondents consume alcohol daily, 36 consume it weekly with varying frequencies (p = 0.012), 26 respondents smoke excessively daily, and 12 respondents smoke 1–2 cigarettes daily (p = 0.438). Additionally, 40 respondents rarely engage in physical activity, and 71 respondents do not engage in physical activity at all as they do not typically participate in sports (p = 0.041). Thus, respondents with colon cancer tend to consume sweets, pastries and even fast food or fried foods more often, while the daily consumption of vegetables and fruits is insufficient, according to the recommendations of nutrition guidelines (a minimum of four portions per day). The analysis found that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption were associated with an increased incidence of lung and liver cancer. The lack of regular physical activity was identified as a risk factor for breast and colon cancer. An unhealthy diet, characterized by a low consumption of fruits and vegetables and high intake of processed foods, was correlated with a higher incidence of colorectal cancer. Additionally, non-adherence to medical advice was associated with poorer clinical outcomes and faster disease progression. The majority of respondents who declared that they did not feel an improvement in their state of health in the last period were among those who stated that they did not fully comply with the oncologist’s recommendations. Identifying and modifying behavioral risk factors can play a crucial role in cancer prevention and in improving the prognosis and quality of life of cancer patients.