title: Family factors as correlates of diet in relatives of colon cancer patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine family social support and closeness to the patient for their association with diet in first-degree relatives (FDRs) of colon cancer patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (N=98) were interviewed by telephone to assess study constructs. Multiple hierarchical regressions examined relationships among family factors and diet.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Family social support was associated with healthier diets, particularly fruits and vegetables. However, FDRs closest to the cancer patient had less healthy diets.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FDRs with close relationships to their family member with cancer may be in greatest need of dietary intervention. Diet is understudied in this high-risk population and warrants more investigation.
authors: Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018, USA. mkbean@vcu.edu
authors: Melanie K
authors: MK
authors: Bean
authors: Suzanne E
authors: SE
authors: Mazzeo
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Fries
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms; D004032:Diet; D005190:Family; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support