Awareness of the role of physical activity in colon cancer prevention Journal Article


Authors: Coups, E. J.; Hay, J.; Ford, J. S.
Article Title: Awareness of the role of physical activity in colon cancer prevention
Abstract: Objective: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of U.S. adults' awareness of the role that physical activity plays in preventing colon cancer. Methods: Data were analyzed for 1932 respondents to the Health Information National Trends Survey who answered a question about factors that reduce the chances of getting colon cancer. Individuals who listed physical activity in response to this question were denoted as being aware of its role in colon cancer prevention. Results: Few respondents (15.0%) listed physical activity as a means of reducing colon cancer risk. Awareness was especially low among individuals aged 50 years and over, those with lower levels of education, individuals who believe that physical activity recommendations are confusing, those reporting less exposure to information about physical activity and cancer, individuals who did not report looking for information about cancer, those with poorer knowledge of colon cancer symptoms, and less physically active individuals. Conclusions: There is poor awareness among U.S. adults of the role that physical activity plays in preventing colon cancer. Practice implications: Health care providers should routinely inform their patients that engaging in regular physical activity greatly reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: adolescent; adult; controlled study; aged; middle aged; major clinical study; cancer risk; united states; logistic models; colonic neoplasms; exercise; health behavior; patient education; attitude to health; age factors; questionnaires; colon cancer; health care personnel; cross-sectional studies; physical activity; health knowledge, attitudes, practice; educational status; risk reduction; awareness; analysis of variance; primary prevention; risk reduction behavior; health education; health services needs and demand; self care; prevention
Journal Title: Patient Education and Counseling
Volume: 72
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0738-3991
Publisher: Elsevier Ireland Ltd.  
Date Published: 2008-08-01
Start Page: 246
End Page: 251
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2008.03.007
PUBMED: 18455355
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC4097183
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 4" - "Export Date: 17 November 2011" - "CODEN: PEDCD" - "Source: Scopus"
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  1. Jennifer S Ford
    63 Ford
  2. Jennifer L Hay
    265 Hay