In the face of the escalating climate crisis and its broadening impact on various aspects of human health, our research delves into a unique intersection: the relationship between public perception of climate change and the intent to engage in cancer screening.1,2 Using data from the 2021 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), this study, for the first time, illuminates a significant correlation between the awareness of climate change as a personal health threat and increased interest in cancer screening.
Our analysis of the HINTS dataset – a nationally representative survey focusing on health behaviors and beliefs – revealed that individuals who recognize climate change as a considerable health risk are more inclined to express interest in cancer screening.1 Notably, we found that the higher the perceived threat of climate change to personal health, the greater the likelihood of an individual intending to undergo cancer screening. These findings persisted even after adjusting for various sociodemographic factors, suggesting a robust association independent of other influences.
The implications of our study are vast and multifaceted. It suggests that a lower awareness of climate change impacts might mark a segment of the population less engaged in preventive health measures, such as cancer screening. This opens a new avenue for public health interventions, where enhancing environmental health literacy could be integrated alongside cancer prevention efforts.3 The potential parallel between raising awareness about the health risks of climate change and the well-documented success of anti-tobacco campaigns in both increasing cancer screening and addressing a major cancer risk factor clearly highlights its potentials.4 However, our study is not without limitations. The cross-sectional nature of the HINTS survey allows only for correlation observations, not causal inferences. Moreover, the data relies on self- reported perceptions and intentions, which may not always translate into actual behavior. Despite these constraints, our findings offer a novel perspective on the role of environmental health consciousness in preventive healthcare behaviors.
In conclusion, our research underscores the need for a holistic approach in public health strategy, one that encompasses not only traditional health literacy but also a keen awareness of environmental factors like climate change. As we move forward, it's essential to recognize the interconnectedness of our environment and health, particularly in the realm of cancer prevention.
Written by: Zhiyu (Jason) Qian, MD & Alexander P. Cole, MD, Department of Urological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
- Qian Z, Beatrici E, Trinh Q-D, et al. Climate change perception and its association with cancer screening intent. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2023:djad237.
- Romanello M, Di Napoli C, Drummond P, et al. The 2022 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: health at the mercy of fossil fuels. The Lancet. 2022;400(10363):1619-1654.
- Cole AP, Loeb S. Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations that Align Patient and Planetary Health. Eur Urol Focus. Sep 26 2023;doi:10.1016/j.euf.2023.09.007
- Ferrer RA, Klein WMP. Risk perceptions and health behavior. Current Opinion in Psychology. 2015/10/01/ 2015;5:85-89. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.03.012