Cancer prevention--behavior changes: the short and the long of it.
BACKGROUND
Behavioral factors play an important role in the adoption and maintenance of nutritional modifications, delivered either through chemopreventive regimens or through dietary adaptation. A body of research supports a protective role of fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber, and eating a low-fat diet in reducing cancer risk. There is only limited knowledge, however, about the cancer-preventing properties of specific micronutrients, apart from beta-carotene; about optimal levels of intake of differing micronutrients; and about patterns of food intake associated with reduced cancer risk. Thus, it would seem preferable, overall, to be able to recommend cancer prevention through dietary modification rather than through the administration of individual agents.


METHODS
Studies of dietary adherence in cancer prevention have yielded varying success rates, but are generally quite promising. We have developed a model that encompasses the range of behavioral, psychological, social, and systemic variables thought to influence adherence to nutritional regimens.


RESULTS
The model is being utilized to influence the form and content of nutritional regimens and to promote short-term change which can then be sustained as long-term lifestyle modification. The model can also be applied to evaluate adherence to nutritional or other behavioral modifications and to determine the factors predictive of success.
Gritz
E R
ER
Division of Cancer Control, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California-Los Angeles 90024-3511.
Bastani
R
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D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D012307:Risk Factors
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents