Assessing the public’s awareness on the role of diet in colorectal cancer prevention

Abstract

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), the second most prevalent cancer in Malta can be reduced through various modifiable lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity. Awareness of the risk factors for CRC can encourage individuals to follow cancer prevention recommendations and reduce their risk of developing the disease. As no studies in Malta have looked into the public’s awareness of risk factors for CRC, this study is aimed to assess the awareness of the role of diet in CRC development of the Maltese public. Method: A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used as a research tool to gather information about knowledge of CRC risk factors. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants and so the questionnaire was distributed in public places around Malta targeting Maltese adults. The data gathered was then analysed statistically using SPSS software. Results: Sample participants (n=150) were in their majority female, well-educated and employed. 83% of the participants were aware that diet plays a role in CRC prevention, with older participants being significantly more aware of CRC (p=0.002) and its screening programme (p=0.003). Participants were least informed of the roles alcohol, calcium supplements and dairy products have on CRC development. Conclusion: Participants were aware that diet affects CRC development but awareness of the link between CRC and alcohol, calcium supplements and dairy products was poor. Public health should implement strategies that would raise awareness of the role alcohol, calcium supplements, dairy products, and processed meat have in CRC development through platforms such as social media, food labelling and regulation of marketing of processed foods in health promoting facilities and target their efforts to raise awareness within younger generations as these were the least aware of CRC risk factors.