Risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer: A Canadian prospective cohort study
Researchers aimed to determine associations between specific risk factors and early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC). Accordingly, the researchers utilized data from 127,852 healthy study participants who were less than 50 years of age and were either part of the Ontario Health Study cohort or the Alberta’s Tomorrow Project cohort. Ninety-eight cases of eoCRC were identified after an average follow-up of 6.63 years. Analyses indicated that a family history of CRC alone or with a history of other cancer types was associated with a heightened risk of developing eoCRC. However, there was no significant association between eoCRC and a family history of solely non-CRC cancer. Those classified as heavy smokers at baseline had a higher risk of eoCRC compared to non-smokers. Lastly, there were no significant associations between sex, socioeconomic factors, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and other factors with the risk of eoCRC.
Neighbourhood walkability and greenspace and their associations with health-related fitness in urban dwelling Canadian adults
The researchers aimed to outline sex-specific associations between the neighborhood built environment, grip strength, and body fat percentage of Canadian adults living in urban areas. They used cohort data from 4,052 males and 7,841 females who were part of Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. Negative associations were found between walkability and both grip strength and body fat percentage among males and females. Additionally, greenness showed a positive association with grip strength across both sexes, but this association was not observed with body fat percentage. These associations remained significant even after adjusting for physical activity and sitting.
The association between religiosity, spirituality and colorectal cancer screening: a longitudinal analysis of Alberta’s Tomorrow Project in Canada
The researchers performed a longitudinal analysis regarding associations between religion/spirituality (RS) Salience, and R/S Attendance, and colorectal cancer screening. The data of 4312 participants aged ≥ 50 from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project was used for this study. After completing statistical analyses, the researchers determined a significant association between R/S Attendance and colorectal cancer screening. However, R/S Salience did not contribute to higher odds of colorectal cancer screening, as the association was not statistically significant. The authors of the study propose the implementation of colorectal cancer screening programs in R/S settings.
Stage shifting by modifying the determinants of breast cancer stage at diagnosis: a simulation study
The researchers sought to understand how lifestyle factors influence the stage at which breast cancer is diagnosed. Using data from 492 participants in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project, they found that increasing dietary protein intake and reducing energy intake had the most significant impact. This suggests that minor lifestyle adjustments could potentially increase the rate of early-stage diagnoses by 12%, thereby informing cancer prevention strategies.
Dose-responsive effects of iron supplementation on the gut microbiota in middle-aged women
The researchers sought to investigate the association between iron supplementation and the gut microbiota among healthy female participants in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. They found that adequate iron levels are essential for the overall health and wellbeing of women through their various life stages.
Microbial features linked to medication strategies in cardiometabolic disease management
Researchers explored the association of microbial structure with the use of single or multiple medications among participants from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project who were diagnosed with cardiometabolic disease. Forty-six associations were identified between microbial composition and single medications. Findings indicated that both single- and multiple medication use in cardiometabolic disease is associated with decreases in bacterial diversity, species, and microbial functional potential.
Reduced incidence of diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta: A time-segmented longitudinal study of Alberta’s Tomorrow Project
Researchers aimed to outline the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetes diagnosis using data from participants who were part of Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. During the COVID-19 pandemic (up to 31 March 2021), the rate of diabetes diagnosis was 32% lower than pre-pandemic levels. The first COVID-19 state of emergency (first wave) was associated with an 87.3% reduction in diabetes diagnoses. This trend continued through the second COVID-19 state of emergency, and no notable increase in diagnoses was observed even after the state of emergency was relaxed. Ultimately, it was found that in Alberta, the COVID-19 public health emergencies had adverse consequences on diabetes diagnoses.
Factors associated with change in moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety and depression in community-living adults and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers explored changes in moderate or severe symptoms of anxiety or depression (MSSANXDEP) from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, and examined associated sociodemographic, economic, psychosocial, health behavior and lifestyle, and clinical factors. Data from 59,997 participants from the five established cohorts of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (CanPath) were used. Analyses indicated that certain sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, health behavior, psychosocial, and clinical factors were associated with remitted, incident, and persistent MSSANXDEP.
Health-related and psychosocial factors associated with prostate cancer stage at diagnosis among males participating in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project
Researchers investigated the factors associated with the stage at which prostate cancer (PCa) is diagnosed among males in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project. They found that a higher number of lifetime prostate-specific antigen tests were linked to earlier-stage PCa, while higher abdominal circumference, lower social support, and having children were associated with later-stage disease.
Factors associated with mental health service use during the pandemic: Initiation and barriers
This study aimed to understand the factors associated with initiating new mental health service use (MHSU) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as distinguishing between different reasons for not seeking mental health services. The research found that several factors influenced MHSU, such as age, living situation, income, and health professional status. The study suggests the need for awareness campaigns targeting older adults to explain the importance of seeking treatment and for sensitizing health professionals to facilitate access to mental health care for individuals at risk of social isolation and lower socioeconomic status.