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Project PREVENT

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

Project PREVENT is a behavioral intervention for individuals who have recently been diagnosed with adenomatous colon polyps. Participants in the program receive a telephone-delivered intervention to reduce behavioral risk factors for colorectal cancer, including red meat consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, multivitamin intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity. The telephone sessions are delivered by a health educator to help participants set goals, and are tailored to each individual's level of motivation for change. Participants receive progress reports to reinforce phone counseling, along with a personalized binder including information about risk factors, suggested strategies for improvement, a logbook to track goals and progress, and behavior-specific tip sheets.

Goal / Mission

The goal of Project PREVENT is to reduce behavioral risk factors for colorectal cancer among individuals with positive screenings.

Impact

A significantly greater proportion of Project PREVENT participants reduced their multiple risk factor score when compared to the control group (47% vs. 35%). Intervention participants also had significantly greater multivitamin intake and significantly reduced red meat consumption.

Results / Accomplishments

Project PREVENT participants were compared to patients receiving usual care in a multi-site randomized controlled trial. A significantly greater proportion of intervention participants reduced their multiple risk factor score when compared to the control group (47% vs. 35%; p < 0.0001). Intervention participants had significantly greater multivitamin intake and significantly reduced red meat consumption when compared to the control group (p's < 0.002). Intervention participants also tended to have a lower rate of regression in physical activity level.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Community-Based Research
Primary Contact
Karen M. Emmons
44 Binney Street
Boston, MA 02115
617-632-2188
karen_m_emmons@dfci.harvard.edu
Topics
Health / Cancer
Health / Physical Activity
Organization(s)
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Center for Community-Based Research
Source
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
Date of publication
Jun 2005
Date of implementation
1999
Location
Massachusetts and North Carolina
For more details
Target Audience
Adults
Nevada Tomorrow