Heather Bittner Fagan, M.D., FAAFP, MPH

Associate Vice-Chair, Research, Department of Family and Community Medicine; Director, DE-CTR ACCEL Community Engagement and Outreach; Associate Professor, Thomas Jefferson University

Publications

Weight status and perception of colorectal cancer risk
Weight status and perception of colorectal cancer risk
Bittner Fagan H, Sifri R, Wender R, Schumacher E, Reed JF

J Am Board Fam Med 2012 Nov-Dec;25(6):792-7

PMID: 23136317

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obesity increases the risk of many cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC).
METHODS: This is secondary data analysis of the 2010 National Health Interview Survey data. A total of 9360 obese and overweight participants, aged 50 to 80 years, were analyzed according to their perception of their personal cancer risk.
RESULTS: Having a perception of increased risk for cancer was associated with higher CRC screening rates. However, when compared with their normal-weight counterparts, overweight and obese individuals did not perceive themselves as being at an increased risk for cancer in general or for CRC specifically. Subgroup analysis revealed one notable exception. Obese black women appeared to recognize themselves as being at higher risk for CRC.
CONCLUSIONS: Most obese and overweight individuals fail to recognize their increased cancer risk. Individuals who perceive themselves as being at increased risk for cancer, especially CRC, are more likely to have undergone CRC screening. Unfortunately, obese and overweight individuals do not seem to recognize the increased cancer risk conferred by their body weight. Education is needed so that obese and overweight individuals are aware that their excess body weight is a risk factor for cancer.
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Perception, intention, and action in adolescent obesity
Perception, intention, and action in adolescent obesity
Bittner Fagan H, Diamond J, Myers R, Gill JM

J Am Board Fam Med 2008 Nov-Dec;21(6):555-61

PMID: 18988723

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Insight into adolescents' weight-loss behavior is needed.
METHODS: Survey data were obtained from overweight and obese adolescents in the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey (YRBS) in Delaware. Cross tabulations were used to determine the frequency of accurate perception, recent action, and current intention regarding weight loss. Multivariable analysis identified factors associated with recent action to lose weight.
RESULTS: From 2,728 records, 482 overweight adolescents and 398 obese adolescents were identified. Most obese (83%) and overweight (79%) adolescents reported recent action to lose weight. Most obese (75%) and overweight (65%) adolescents intended to lose weight. Obese and overweight adolescents who reported a current intention to lose weight were more likely to have taken recent action to lose weight (odds ratio [OR], 11.6 and 6.6, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of obese and overweight adolescents who have an accurate perception of weight, intend to lose weight, and have taken recent action to lose weight suggests that this group is highly engaged in weight-related behavior change. Compared with their obese peers, overweight adolescents seem less engaged in weight change behavior. There is a strong association in both groups between intention and recent action, and this association indicates that obese and overweight adolescents are highly motivated to change their weight.
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Use of sputum eosinophil count decreases asthma exacerbations
Use of sputum eosinophil count decreases asthma exacerbations
Bittner Fagan H, Harwood M

J Fam Pract 2003 May;52(5):353-5

PMID: 12737761

Abstract

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