One Goal: To Prevent Cancer Incidences in Women through the Promotion of Physical Activity
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Date
2012-06
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Research shows a strong inverse relationship between increasing physical activity and decreasing personal risk of breast, colon, and endometrial cancer. The purpose of One Goal is to determine if women who have a family history of cancer will improve their attitude towards physical activity and intent to engage in physical activity following testing and a personalized consultation about their bodies. Methodology: Women (n = 100) ages 18-65 years with an identified family history of breast, colon, and/or endometrial cancer were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions. In Condition 1 (n=50), known as Body Awareness Programming, subjects received a body fat composition analysis and participated in a fitness test. Subjects received a customized consultation to review test results, the relationship of physical activity with specified cancer type(s), and an exercise prescription. In Condition 2 (n=50), known as Educational Awareness Programming, subjects received literature reviewing the importance of a physically active lifestyle, the relationship of physical activity with specified cancer type, and received general exercise prescription suggestions. Pre-test and post-test questionnaires determined if the assigned condition affected subjects’ attitude and/or intent to be physically active. Results: Both Body Awareness and Educational Awareness programs demonstrate a similar positive effect on women’s attitude and intent towards physical activity. Results indicate no significant difference between groups when examining questionnaire scores. Conclusion: It is quite possible that the Educational Awareness group was a more motivated population due to an increased risk of cancer and a personal familial experience with the disease. These results indicate educational programming is as effective as providing explicit physical fitness measurements. As such, a tailored educational campaign may be a cost-effective way to prevent cancer in an at-risk population.
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Keywords
physical activity, cancer, women's health, attitude and intent toward exercise