Health behaviours and beliefs in individuals with familial pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer are recommended surveillance and healthy lifestyle behaviours and patient experience with recommendations are understudied. To describe engagement and experience with surveillance, tobacco and alcohol use, health beliefs and motivation (Champion Health Belief Measure) and the relationship with personal, psychosocial (Impact of Event Scale), and familial characteristics. Interest in integrative therapies (complementary therapies) are described. A multi-site cross-sectional survey including individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer with no diagnosis of pancreatic cancer who have been evaluated at a comprehensive cancer center. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher’s exact test were used to assess univariate associations. Of the 132 respondents (72% response rate), 92 (70%) reported undergoing surveillance which was associated with older age (p = 0.001). Of which, 36% and 51% report that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), respectively, were uncomfortable; 22% and 30% dread the next MRI or EUS, respectively. Of those who reported alcohol consumption (n = 88); 15% consumed 1 or more drinks daily and no alcohol consumption was associated with higher Impact of Event scale scores (p = 0.024). A total of six participants were currently smoking every day or some days. Participants reported high motivation to engage in heathy behaviours and 92% were interested in integrative therapies. In these select participants, most were engaging in pancreatic cancer surveillance, alcohol intake was moderate, and tobacco intake was minimal. Modifiable factors, such as experience and comfort with surveillance could be addressed. The sample is motivated to engage in behavioural health intervention.