• Kathryn A Robb, Emily Power, Ines Kralj-Hans, Wendy S Atkin, and Jane Wardle.
• Cancer Research UK Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK. k.robb@ucl.ac.uk
• Prev Med. 2010 Dec 1; 51 (6): 505-8.

ObjectiveThe screening context may provide a "teachable moment" for promoting health behaviours. The present study examined the impact on diet, alcohol and physical activity of providing individually-tailored advice in the context of flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening.MethodAdults (n=365) aged 58-59 years who attended FS screening between 2006 and 2008 and had no abnormalities detected were randomised to one of three groups: (i) control (usual care); (ii) standard leaflet on healthy lifestyle; or (iii) standard leaflet plus brief, tailored feedback based on information from the pre-screening questionnaire. A 6-month follow-up questionnaire assessed group differences in fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol intake and physical activity.ResultsMore people in the tailored group were meeting the 5-a-day fruit and vegetable recommendation at 6 months (OR: 2.28, CI[1.09, 4.76]). For physical activity there was a non-significant trend towards meeting current activity guidelines in the tailored group (OR: 1.26, CI[0.62, 2.55]). Alcohol intake was low overall and did not change in any group.ConclusionTailored advice given in the context of cancer screening may provide an opportunity to improve dietary behaviours. Further research is needed to determine whether screening provides a unique "teachable moment" or if similar effects can be achieved in other health settings.Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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