Healthy Lifestyle: a community-based cancer awareness and prevention intervention program

Healthy Lifestyle engages the community in the development of a health behavior modification program to reduce cancer risk among African Americans. The objectives are 1) to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that affect cancer risk through focus group discussions; and 2) to identify community members to implement programs and practices that facilitate healthy behavior routines. Thirty-four African American focus group participants completed surveys regarding health knowledge and behavioral practices. Results from the focus groups identified three themes: 1) Health and Nutrition; 2) Environment; and 3) Family. The majority of focus group participants (94%) indicated that annual physical exams were important. However, of that group, 47% had not had a physical within the last 12 months and only 44% had scheduled appointments. Of the 79% who indicated they could commit to a two-year study, only 64% felt they could be leaders.