Behavioral Patterns with the Coexistence of Risk and Protective Factors for Cancer in Brazil

Abstract

About one third of the most common cancers could be prevented by the reduction of modifiable behavioral risk factors. We aimed to identify behavioral patterns of risk and protective factors for cancer in Brazil, between 2014 and 2015. Data from Vigitel Survey (n = 95,027 adults aged ≥ 18 years) from all Brazilian capitals and Federal District were used. Thirteen risk (RBF) and protective behavioral factors (PBF) for cancer were investigated. RBF included the consumption of red meat, meat with high-fat content, soft drinks, sweets and abusive alcohol, replacement of lunch/dinner for snacks, television viewing, obesity, and smoking. PBF included the consumption of beans, fruits and vegetables, and physical activity practice. Patterns were identified by principal component analysis and linear regressions models assessed its association with sociodemographic characteristics. Four behavioral patterns for cancer were identified. The ‘healthy behavior pattern’ and the ‘unhealthy food consumption pattern’ were positively associated to females and schooling. The ‘unhealthy behavior pattern’ and the ‘mixed behavior pattern’ were both negatively associated to females, age and schooling. Our data revealed different vulnerable population groups for cancer. Actions for reduction of modifiable behavioral risk factors aiming at cancer prevention should consider distinct approaches by sex, age, and schooling.

Data availability statement

Data are freely available for public access and use, and do not allow participants´ identification.

Complying with Ethics of Experimentation

All procedures performed in this study involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the National Commission of Ethics in Research for Human Beings of the Ministry of Health (CAAE: 65610017.1.0000.0008) and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES; finance code 001).