| dc.description.abstract | Introduction. Cancer is the second leading cause of premature death after cardiovascular disease among individuals aged 30–70 years in 127 countries. Delayed diagnosis at advanced stages remains a significant challenge in cancer management. Risk factors include environmental and lifestyle factors such as obesity, sedentary behavior, smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history of cancer. Objective. This study aims to describe the demographic characteristics, family history, BMI, physical activity levels, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption patterns among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Murni Teguh Hospital, Medan. Method. A descriptive observational study was conducted involving 116 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy from August to September 2024. Data were collected through structured interviews and medical record reviews. Participants provided information on their lifestyle before cancer diagnosis and after starting chemotherapy. Data were analyzed univariately. Results. Most participants were female (76.7%) and aged 45–59 years (48.3%). Breast cancer was the most common diagnosis (57.8%). The proportion of respondents with a family history of cancer is 21.6%. Sedentary behavior and excess body weight were prevalent, with 80,1% being previously overweight and obese. Smoking and alcohol consumption were relatively low, reported by 24.1% and 13.7%, respectively, with most ceasing these habits after chemotherapy. Passive smoking was noted in 54.3% of participants. Notably, 15.6% of patients were young adults (19–39 years). Conclusion. Early detection and healthy lifestyle promotion are vital to reduce cancer incidence. Regular screening, including genetic counseling and testing, is recommended for individuals with a family history of cancer to enhance early detection efforts. | en_US |
