Preventing Cancer
CASNR partners in project targeting cancer prevention in rural communities.
Texas Tech researchers are teaming up with United Supermarkets on a $295,000 project that aims to address some of today's most preventable sources of cancer — obesity, tobacco use and sunburn — in the Panhandle communities of Dalhart and Muleshoe. If successful, similar intervention programs could be replicated in other communities across the state.
"Rural areas often have limited services available to foster the prevention of cancer, and this project implements and tests the effectiveness of an accessible program designed to reduce cancer risks," said Conrad Lyford, the project's lead investigator and an associate professor with Tech's Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. "Hopefully, we'll have a measurable and sustainable impact."
Local residents will be taught how healthier diets can assist in fighting certain cancers, as well as the importance of using sunscreen and smoking cessation. "A number of studies show that a community effort to raise awareness about cancer, as well as increasing people's activities in cancer prevention, can reduce cancer," he said.
As part of the project, randomly selected project participants will be evaluated through repeated measurements of body mass index and blood pressure levels, combined with an analysis of the participants' three-day food records, supermarket sales records, and survey data assessing health status and cancer-preventing behaviors.
Behavior changes in the type and frequency of sunburn prevention practices and tobacco product usage will also be monitored. Through collaboration with United, participants will be exposed to cancer prevention educational materials emphasizing nutrient-rich, cancer-preventing foods.
Additionally, food demonstrations and consumer education classes that focus on cancer risk factors, cancer prevention, and the importance of appropriate preventive actions will be conducted at supermarket locations and other venues.
The research team includes:
- Eric Belasco, assistant professor, Montana State Department of Agricultural Economics & Economics
- Tyra Carter, corporate dietitian, United Supermarkets
- Audrey McCool, professor emeritus, University of Nevada Las Vegas
- Barry McCool, assistant professor, Texas Tech Department of Nutrition, Hospitality & Retailing
- Barbara Pence, professor, Department of Pathology, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center
- Billy Philips, vice president for rural & community health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
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