Dr Judy Ho
Division of Colorectal Surgery, Dept of Surgery
University of Hong Kong
Pokfulam, Hong Kong
Project title
The acceptability and feasibility of a diet and physical activity intervention to prevent recurrence in colorectal cancer survivors (2009/02)
Scientific abstract
Colorectal/bowel cancer is increasing in incidence at a very alarming rate in Hong Kong. World Cancer Research Fund’s recent 2007 Second Expert Report concluded that high dietary intakes of red or processed meat and low physical activity level cause colorectal cancer. Yet, we do not know if these lifestyle factors affect the outcome of the increasing number of colorectal cancer survivors. As a result, scientifically based advice on how colorectal cancer survivors may improve their prognosis by lifestyle changes is currently very limited.
This study will test how easy it is to encourage bowel cancer survivors to eat less red and processed meat or to become more physically active. By finding out cancer survivors’ preferences, the researchers will develop an intervention programme that motivates people to cut down on processed meat and to be more physically active. If the reduction of meat intake and/or increasing physical activity can be shown to reduce colorectal cancer recurrence, these findings would provide the basis for health promotion advice for colorectal cancer survivors and would provide even stronger evidence on the prognostic role of these lifestyle factors in colorectal cancer.
Plain language abstract
Colorectal or bowel cancer (CRC) is increasing in incidence at a very alarming rate in Hong Kong. A recent authoritative report from the World Cancer Research Fund concluded that high dietary intakes of red or processed meat and low physical activity level cause CRC. Yet, we do not know if these lifestyle factors affect the outcome of the increasing number of CRC survivors. As a result, one cannot make any scientifically-based advice on how CRC survivors may improve their outlook by lifestyle changes.
This study aims to test the feasibility of two behavioural changes in CRC survivors: (1) reduced consumption of red meat and elimination of processed meat; (2) increased physical activity levels. In the first part (“Phase 0”), qualitative research, questionnaire survey and literature review will be conducted to assess patients’ preference for behavioural interventions. Results obtained will be used to design the intervention model in Phase 1. At a later stage, Phase 2 (a separate project, not included in this grant) will comprise a feasibility study on CRC survivors who will be randomly allocated to two targeted behaviours prescribed over 12 months. Outcomes including behavioural change, compliance and acceptability will be assessed periodically for 12 months.
| Institution and location | Degree | Year | Scientific Field |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong | MBBS (HK) | 1984 | Medicine |
| Royal College of Surgeon, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | FRCS (Edin) | 1989 | Surgery |
| Academy of Medicine, Hong Kong | FHKAM (Surg) | 1994 | Surgery |
| 2005-Present | Consultant (Surgery), Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital |
| 1993-2005 | Senior Medical Officer, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital |
Research interests
Colorectal cancer; cancer genetics.
