Basically I’m doing a study regarding ecobiosocial factors and colorectal cancer. Why did I choose this? Because previous studies have shown that colorectal cancer has been linked to lifestyle behaviour. 70% of those studies explained the influence of lifestyle behaviour with colorectal cancer but then most of the studies link these ecobiosocial factors independently, which in our real life they occur concomitantly. So I’m doing a study to look at the interactions between these eco, bio and social factors with colorectal cancer.
What were the results of this study?
The study findings demonstrate that there are interactions, there are two-way and three-way interactions within these ecobiosocial factors. It is unique to Malaysia because it shows that the influence of these factors, collectively they create a cluster pattern on colorectal cancer incidence locally.
What do you think is the significance of these results?
From the results it showed that there are interactions and somehow we know diet and physical inactivity have strong correlations towards colorectal cancer. But indirectly having an unhealthy physical environment also drives the relationship to an extent. So indirectly I’m seeing that in terms of building or developing a neighbourhood area the stakeholders should look into the physical environment that shapes the behaviour of the local community which then will lead to colorectal cancer eventually.
How can these results be utilised up to develop guidelines or cancer prevention programs in Malaysia and other LMICs?
Basically the study recommends on three levels of intervention, that is the individual, the community and also the policy. In terms of the individual level recommendations, we can actually empower the people to take care of themselves, to really look at what they are eating and their physical activity so that they know what they are doing, they know what they are eating and they are taking a more cautious lifestyle.
Secondly is to involve the community, especially the NGOs. What they should do, they should take care of their health and the health status more cautiously and awareness on health. Thirdly is the most important thing is on the policy level, which is the stakeholders, to engage on multiagency collaboration, especially the town planning stakeholders, so that they can provide a more encouraging area, walkable area, as compared to other high-income countries where they have these complete streets, walkable cities, safe and secure green spaces, so that the people can do more physical activity. In fact, probably could optimise the opening of fast food outlets to create a healthy food environment for the people.
