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Differences in colorectal cancer awareness between vegetarians and nonvegetarians: a national cross-sectional study from Palestine | Journal Article / Research | MSF Science Portal
Journal Article
|Research

Differences in colorectal cancer awareness between vegetarians and nonvegetarians: a national cross-sectional study from Palestine

Elshami M, Albandak M, Alser M, Al-Slaibi I, Ayyad M, Dwikat MF, Naji SA, Mohamad BM, Isleem WS, Shurrab A, Yaghi B, Ayyash Qabaja Y, Hamdan FK, Sweity RR, Jneed RT, Assaf KA, Hmaid MM, Awwad II, Alhabil BK, Alarda MN, Alsattari AS, Aboyousef MS, Aljbour OA, AlSharif R, Giacaman CT, Alnaga AY, Abu Nemer RM, Almadhoun NM, Skaik SM, Albarqi SI, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B
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Abstract
PURPOSE
To compare colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness between vegetarians and nonvegetarians in Palestine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The validated Bowel Cancer Awareness Measure and Cancer Awareness Measure-Mythical Causes Scale were translated into Arabic and used to assess awareness of CRC signs/symptoms, risk factors, and mythical causes. The total awareness score of each domain was calculated and categorized into tertiles; the top tertile was considered as good awareness. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between being a vegetarian and displaying good awareness in each domain.

RESULTS
This study included 4,623 participants: 560 vegetarians (12.1%) and 4,063 nonvegetarians (87.9%). Lump in the abdomen was the most recognized CRC sign/symptom among both nonvegetarians (n = 2,969, 73.1%) and vegetarians (n = 452, 80.7%). Vegetarians were less likely than nonvegetarians to display good awareness of CRC signs/symptoms (odds ratio, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.48 to 0.72]). Lack of physical activity was the most identified modifiable CRC risk factor in both nonvegetarians (n = 3,368, 82.9%) and vegetarians (n = 478, 85.4%). Similarly, having a bowel disease was the most identified nonmodifiable risk factor among both nonvegetarians (n = 2,889, 71.1%) and vegetarians (n = 431, 77.0%). There were no associated differences between both groups in the awareness levels of CRC risk factors. The most recognized food-related CRC causation myth in nonvegetarians was drinking from plastic bottles (n = 1,023, 25.2%), whereas it was eating burnt food in vegetarians (n = 176, 31.4%). Having a physical trauma was the most recognized food-unrelated myth in both nonvegetarians (n = 2,356, 58.0%) and vegetarians (n = 396, 70.7%). There were no associated differences in the awareness of CRC causation myths between both groups.

CONCLUSION
Awareness of CRC was notably low in both Palestinian vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Particularly, vegetarians demonstrated lower awareness of CRC signs and symptoms.

Countries

Palestine

Subject Area

cancer

Languages

English
DOI
10.1200/GO.23.00400
Published Date
22 Feb 2024
PubMed ID
38386954
Journal
JCO Global Oncology
Volume | Issue | Pages
Volume 10, Issue 10, Pages e2300400
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