B3108 - Longitudinal patterns and predictors of multiple cancer-risk behaviours among UK adolescents - 08/05/2018

B number: 
B3108
Principal applicant name: 
Caroline Wright | BRMS University of Bristol (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Dr Ruth Kipping, Prof Rona Campbell, Matt Hickman, Jon Heron, Prof. Richard Martin
Title of project: 
Longitudinal patterns and predictors of multiple cancer-risk behaviours among UK adolescents
Proposal summary: 

Using two British cohort studies, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) and the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), this fellowship will explore the longitudinal patterns and predictors of multiple cancer-risk behaviours (MCRB). MCRB are modifiable behaviours including tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diet and risky sexual behaviour that are associated with cancer incidence and mortality. Rather than focusing on specific cancers this research will cover a wide range of cancers that are associated with these behaviours.

Impact of research: 
Environmental and lifestyle interventions are an important way to reduce the burden of cancers. Through the identification of subgroups of adolescents with distinct patterns of MCRB, this research will differentiate between normative and sustained risk taking. By conducting analysis with respect to cancer related adverse health outcomes at age 25 years, it will pinpoint young people at greatest risk of developing lifelong patterns of cancer-causing risk behaviours. Further, by identifying the antecedents of membership to these subgroups, it will focus prevention and intervention strategies on those at greatest risk, inform the age at which an intervention should be applied and determine whether it is universal or targeted. Creating a new measure in ALSPAC of longitudinal patterns of cancer-risk behaviours, which once derived can be used by other researchers. Multiple research outputs, including conference presentations and papers.
Date proposal received: 
Thursday, 3 May, 2018
Keywords: 
Epidemiology