Abstract A016: Understanding the Impact of Numerous Cancer Prevention Guidelines on Public Adherence

Abstract Background: Organizations like the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) have developed comprehensive cancer prevention guidelines focusing on nutrition, physical activity, cancer screening, and vaccination with a goal of reducing cancer incidence and improving cancer health outcomes. However, the abundance and complexity of these guidelines can lead to public confusion and potentially hinder adherence. This study investigates public perception of the multitude of cancer prevention guidelines and their potential impact on compliance. Methods: Data were derived from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 4, 2020), conducted via a mail survey from February to June 2020. We examined public perception about cancer prevention recommendations and if the number of recommendations made it more difficult to determine which ones to follow. Multivariable Logistic regression was used to examine the factors that are associated with agreement with the statement: “there are so many different recommendations about preventing cancer, it's hard to know which ones to follow.” Results: Survey respondents consisted of 3,747 U.S. adults. Approximately 74.1% of respondents agreed with the statement, "There are so many different recommendations about preventing cancer, it's hard to know which ones to follow." Non-Hispanic Black respondents had the highest proportion of agreement (80.6%) Level of education was statistically significantly associated with agreement with the statement "there are so many different recommendations about preventing cancer, it's hard to know which ones to follow." As education level increased, the odds of agreeing with the statement decreased. Specifically, college graduates (aOR 0.58; 95% CI: 0.36-0.94), and those with postgraduate education had an aOR of 0.38 (95% CI: 0.22-0.67). Conclusion: The study highlights significant public perception challenges regarding the abundance of cancer prevention guidelines. These findings suggest a need for streamlined communication and education strategies to enhance guideline adherence and optimize cancer prevention efforts. Citation Format: Tochukwu Nzeako, Onyema Chido-Amajuoyi. Understanding the Impact of Numerous Cancer Prevention Guidelines on Public Adherence [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A016.