Social Proximity to Cancer and Lifestyle Behaviours

Background: Lifestyle factors can modify cancer risk and wellbeing outcomes, and cancer diagnoses can impact lifestyle behaviours for diagnosed individuals and those close to them. Consequently, lifestyle behaviours may vary based on social proximity to a cancer diagnosis. Aim: We investigated how key lifestyle components associated with cancer vary by an individuals’ proximity to a recent cancer diagnosis in a South Australian sample. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2023 Population Health Survey. Chi-square tests and One- Way ANOVAs examined the relationship between proximity to recent cancer diagnosis/treatment (self, close contact, social circle, none) and self-reported lifestyle behaviours (fruit, vegetable, alcohol intake, smoking, vaping, dietary changes due to financial strain, and mood). Results: Participants were 3004 South Australians (range:15-97, M=61.1 years). There were no significant associations between diagnosis proximity and consuming recommended amounts of vegetables (≥5 serves) or fruit (≥2 serves) daily, nor for smoking or vaping behaviours. Individuals who had someone close to them affected by cancer in the last year were significantly more likely to report drinking more than the recommended number of standard alcoholic drinks (>10 per week; X2(6, N= 2,967)=18.27, p=.006), have changed their eating habits ‘often’ due to financial strain (X2(6, N=2,976)=16.21, p=.013), and experience more frequent mood disruptions (F(3, 2887)=7.72, p<.001). Conclusion: Individuals having someone close to them recently affected by cancer were more likely to report consuming above recommended alcohol amounts, food insecurity, and frequent mood symptoms. These preliminary results highlight the need for further exploration of wellbeing and financial needs among those closest to and supporting cancer-affected individuals.