Assessing food habits for cancer prevention among Tehran citizens

Cancer is one of the three health issues of the society and the third cause of mortality in Iran. Food habits play a significant role in preventing cancer. The present study therefore, was carried out to assess food habits of Tehran citizens for cancer prevention. This study is a cross- sectional study was conducted with a sample of 2500 Tehran citizens who were recruited through systematic cluster random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires including demographic factors and food habits. Validity and reliability of tool was gained through content validity and Alfa-Cronbach test. Data was collected in one time occasion and in person. All statistics were computed by the SPSS software using descriptive and inferential tests. The showed demonstrated that the 38.2% of Tehran citizens had their BMI at the level of being overweight and upper. The food habits for cancer prevention were relatively appropriate for most of them (61.3%), but no one was at the desired level. Concerning the study results that no one had proper food habits for cancer prevention, public education and increasing awareness of people in this regards by ministry of health, cancer institutes, mass media, educational system, ministry of labour and social affairs is strongly recommended.