Cancer and cardiovascular-related perceived risk in a diverse cancer center catchment area

Purpose Despite cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) sharing several modifiable risk factors, few unified prevention efforts exist. We sought to determine the association between risk perception for cancer and CVD and engagement in healthy behaviors. Methods Between May 2019 and August 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of adults ≥ 40 years residing in Brooklyn neighborhoods with high cancer mortality. We considered one’s perceived risk of cancer and CVD compared to age counterparts as the primary exposures. The primary study outcome was a weighted health behavior score (wHBS) composed of 5 domains: physical activity, no obesity, no smoking, low alcohol intake, and healthy diet. Modified Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to assess associations between perceived risk for cancer and CVD and the wHBS, separately. Results We surveyed 2448 adults (mean [SD] age, 61.4 [12.9] years); 61% female, 30% Non-Hispanic White, and 70% racial/ethnic minorities. Compared to their age counterparts nearly one-third of participants perceived themselves to be at higher CVD or cancer risk. Perceiving higher CVD risk was associated with an 8% lower likelihood of engaging in healthy behaviors (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.86–0.99). Perceiving greater cancer risk was associated with a 14% lower likelihood of engaging in healthy behaviors (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.79–0.95). The association between cancer risk and wHBS attenuated but remained significant (aRR 0.90; 95% CI 0.82–0.98) after adjustment. Conclusion Identifying high-risk subgroups and intervening on shared risk behaviors could have the greatest long-term impact on reducing CVD and cancer morbidity and mortality.