Perceptions of Preventable Cancer Burden Among US-Based Firefighters: A Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Characterize experiences with cancer and perceptions of the preventable cancer burden attributable to diet among firefighters.

Design: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to assess cancer history and perceptions of cancer.

Setting: US.

Participants: US-based firefighters.

Main outcome measure(s): History of cancer, perceptions of cancer, and perceptions of diet as a means to prevent cancer.

Analysis: Descriptive statistics and use of the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) to evaluate qualitative responses.

Results: A total of 471 firefighters participated. Nearly half (48.4%) voiced they strongly agreed that they were at risk for cancer, whereas 44.6% agreed that changing diet could decrease cancer risk. The most common BCTTv1 codes focused on types of education, including "Instruction on how to perform the behavior" (45.1%, n = 189), followed by those centered on behavior execution (eg, "Action planning" [24.8%, n = 104]). Qualitatively, many were concerned about misinformation.

Conclusions and implications: Firefighters acknowledge the role of diet in cancer risk and have a desire for knowledge and behavioral support (eg, goal setting) that includes an emphasis on evidence and tackling misinformation. This information should serve as the basis of future interventions that target diet.

Keywords: Firefighters; diet; health behavior; lifestyle; primary prevention.