International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST)

Assessment of Dietary and Nutritional Risk Factors Associated with Cancer Disease Through Factor Analysis

Cancer is one of the most serious non-communicable diseases affecting populations worldwide, and its rising incidence in India has become a major public health concern. Among various risk factors, unhealthy dietary and nutritional habits are now increasingly being recognized as critical contributors to cancer development. Rapid urbanization, lifestyle transitions, and lack of awareness regarding balanced nutrition have led to a growing prevalence of diet-related cancers. The present study aims to examine the association between dietary and nutritional patterns and the risk of cancer among cancer patients in Kalaburagi city. A total of 500 cancer patients from two prominent cancer care hospitals were selected for this study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that captured information on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, and nutrition-related behaviours. To identify the most influential dietary risk patterns, a factor analysis approach was employed. This multivariate statistical technique helps in reducing a large set of interrelated variables into key underlying dietary factors influencing cancer occurrence. The study seeks to provide evidence-based insights into how specific nutrition-related behaviors may be linked to cancer risk, and to inform public health strategies and interventions aimed at dietary improvement and cancer prevention in Kalaburagi city.