Abstract
1.1 Background
Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers continue to be one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality on the international stage, and represent a significant proportion of cancer deaths. It is understood that lifestyle behaviours, diet and socio-economic factors are significant factors that can affect cancer incidence, progression and patient outcomes. Research has shown a significant contribution of unhealthy diet, smoking, lack of physical activity and low socioeconomic status to the development of different types of cancer, especially GIT malignancies (Sung et al., 2021; World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). A knowledge of specific factors that differ between patients with and without GIT is of critical importance in developing specific prevention and management strategies.
1.2 Objective of the Study
This study aimed at comparing the lifestyle characteristics, dietary habits and socio-economic factors between those patients diagnosed with GIT cancers with those diagnosed with non-GIT cancers and identifying the factors with respect to their occurrence and progression.
1.3 Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted with adult cancer patients undergoing treatment at tertiary healthcare facilities, and compared with one another. There were altogether 200 participants, 100 GIT cancer patients and 100 non-GIT cancer patients. The information was gathered from a structured questionnaire on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, educational level, income, occupation, smoking habits, physical activity, body mass index (BMI), dietary patterns, fruit and vegetable consumption, processed food intake and alcohol use. Clinical data was collected from the medical records. The appropriate test for each set of data was used to perform descriptive statistics and comparative analyses with a set of acceptable values at p < 0.05.
1.4 Key Findings
The results showed that there were significant differences between the two patient groups. Smoking was more common in the GIT cancer patients than in non-GIT cancer patients (28%). 56% GIT cancer patients reported eating processed foods and high fat foods often, while only 37% non-GIT cancer patients reported eating processed foods and high fat foods often. On the other hand, GIT cancer patients had lower consumption of fruits and vegetables in comparison to non-GIT cancer patients (31% vs 49%). Both groups had a high incidence of physical inactivity, which was higher among the GIT cancer patients (63%). Moreover, a higher education disparity was seen between GIT cancer patients and their lower-income counterparts, and a higher proportion of the GIT cancer patients had lower education. The results are consistent with those of previous studies showing that poor dietary habits, smoking and socioeconomic disadvantage are significant risk factors for gastrointestinal malignancies (Arnold et al., 2020; Islami et al., 2018). The statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences between the associations of cancer type and smoking status, dietary patterns and income level and educational status (p<0.05).
1.5 Conclusion
The study points out some significant disparities in lifestyle parameters, dietary habits and socio-economic conditions among GIT and non-GIT cancer patients. Patients with cancer at GIT were more likely to have unhealthy dietary patterns, tobacco use, physical inactivity and socioeconomic disadvantages. The results highlight the importance of integrated public health strategies, including nutrition education, smoking cessation and socioeconomic support measures, in order to decrease the impact of GIT cancers. Identification and modification of these risk factors have the potential to enhance cancer prevention and the outcome of patients. Longitudinal studies are suggested for the future to further elucidate causal relationships and the effectiveness of interventions