Better Nutrition Can Help Firefighters Fight Cancer

Firefighters are burdened by a disproportionate risk of many cancers (e.g., digestive and respiratory cancers) compared with the general population. Their experiences with cancer and their views on the extent to which diet can help decrease cancer risk have been explored previously. That research sheds light on the relationship between dietary habits and cancer prevention awareness within the firefighting community. Understanding their perceptions can guide the development of targeted interventions to mitigate cancer risks, emphasizing the role of diet in cancer prevention among firefighters.

A recent research articleopens in new tab/window in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavioropens in new tab/window, published by Elsevier, examined American firefighters’ understanding of cancer history, attitudes towards cancer, and views on diet as a preventive measure against cancer.

Author Ashlea Braun, PhD, RD, TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, explained, "Given the connection between diet and cancer risk and the risk of cancer among firefighters, it is of paramount importance to understand how these risk factors can be mitigated through evidence-based interventions."

The study employed a mixed methods cross-sectional design, reaching out to professional networks across the United States to recruit a national sample. The survey collected data on participants’ cancer history and perceptions of nutrition's role in cancer prevention, using both quantitative and qualitative questions based on established surveys and the Health Belief Model, a tool to help predict health behaviors.

Data analysis included quantitative assessment via SPSS statistical software and qualitative content analysis, seeking to understand dietary changes for cancer risk reduction. A rigorous coding process was used to identify intervention strategies and nutrition-related factors. Specifically, qualitative responses were coded using the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy Version 1 (BCTTv1) to operationalize what firefighters reported wanting to help them change their diet into evidence-based, established behavior change techniques to inform future interventions.

A total of 471 firefighters participated. Nearly half (48.4%) strongly agreed that they are at risk for cancer, and 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 (e.g., "Action planning" [24.8%, n = 104]). Qualitatively, many were concerned about misinformation and wanted to know exactly what level of risk reduction they could achieve by changing their diet. Many also voiced concerns regarding system-level barriers, such as their fire station food environments.

The study suggests that beyond macro- and micro-level modifications to the food environment, firefighters express a desire for individualized support that addresses their specific risks and helps implement changes with the most significant potential to lower their cancer risk. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened concerns over misinformation, including in areas related to nutrition, emphasizing the need for credible, specific information that can help in making informed dietary decisions. Future research is encouraged to take these findings into consideration for developing firefighter-focused interventions and to explore similar strategies for other tactical populations.

Dr. Braun commented, "Consistent with previous studies, we found firefighters are aware of their increased risk of cancer and have a willingness to change their diets to promote health. Although there was some doubt about the effects of diet on cancer risk, most participants without a history of cancer believed diet change could lower their risk of cancer.”

Notes for editors

The article is “Perceptions of Preventable Cancer Burden Among US-Based Firefighters: A Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional Study,” by Kristen McClanahan; Pamela Gonzalez Sanchez; Kylie Gant; Jillian Joyce, PhD, RD, and Ashlea Braun, PhD, RD (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2024.01.008opens in new tab/window). It appears in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, Volume 56, Issue 5 (May 2024), published by Elsevier.

The article is openly available for 90 days at https://www.jneb.org/article/S1499-4046(24)00009-5/fulltextopens in new tab/window.

The authors would like to thank the tactical populations who participated in this study.

Full text of the article is also available to credentialed journalists upon request; contact Eileen Leahy at +1 732 406 1313 or [email protected]opens in new tab/window to obtain a copy or additional information. To schedule an interview with the author(s), please contact Ashlea Braun, PhD, RD, TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Tulsa, OK, at [email protected]opens in new tab/window.

An audio podcast featuring an interview with Ashlea Braun, PhD, RD, and other information for journalists are available at www.jneb.org/content/mediaopens in new tab/window. Excerpts from the podcast may be reproduced by the media with permission from Eileen Leahy.

About the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (JNEB)

The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavioropens in new tab/window (JNEB), the official journal of the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB), is a refereed, scientific periodical that serves as a resource for all professionals with an interest in nutrition education and dietary/physical activity behaviors. The purpose of JNEB is to document and disseminate original research, emerging issues, and practices relevant to nutrition education and behavior worldwide and to promote healthy, sustainable food choices. It supports the Society's efforts to disseminate innovative nutrition education strategies, and communicate information on food, nutrition, and health issues to students, professionals, policymakers, targeted audiences, and the public.

The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior features articles that provide new insights and useful findings related to nutrition education research, practice, and policy. The content areas of JNEB reflect the diverse interests of health, nutrition, education, Cooperative Extension, and other professionals working in areas related to nutrition education and behavior. As the Society's official journal, JNEB also includes occasional policy statements, issue perspectives, and member communications.

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엘스비어는 첨단 정보와 의사결정 지원 분야의 글로벌 선도 기업으로 100년 넘게 과학과 헬스케어의 발전을 지원하며 인류 진보에 기여해 왔습니다. 우리는 170개국 이상에서 학술 및 기업 연구 커뮤니티, 의사, 간호사, 미래의 의료 전문가와 교육자들을 지원합니다. 근거에 기반한 신뢰할 수 있는 과학·의학 콘텐츠와 최첨단 AI 기술을 결합해 중요한 통찰과 혁신적인 솔루션을 제공해, 의미있는 성과를 이루도록 돕고 있습니다. 또한 다양성과 지속 가능성을 제품과 기업 문화 전반에 내재화하며, 우리가 속한 커뮤니티와 협력합니다. 엘스비어 재단opens in new tab/window은 전 세계에서 연구와 보건 파트너십을 지원합니다.

엘스비어는 전문가 및 기업 고객에게 정보 기반의 분석과 의사결정 도구를 제공하는 글로벌 기업 RELXopens in new tab/window의 일원입니다. 자세한 내용은 www.elsevier.com에서 확인할 수 있으며, 소셜미디어 @elsevierconnect를 통해 최신 소식을 받아보실 수 있습니다.