Preventing Chronic Disease (PCD) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. PCD provides an open exchange of information and knowledge among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and others who strive to improve the health of the public through chronic disease prevention.

This cross-sectional study evaluates the association of the updated US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines on lung cancer screening with screening uptake, focusing on changes among disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

Hispanic cancer survivors face unique barriers to meeting American Cancer Society (ACS) nutrition and physical activity guidelines, which reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality and improve quality of life. This pilot intervention trial evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a two-week ACS guideline-based nutrition and physical activity text message intervention in a predominantly Hispanic sample of cancer survivors and their informal caregivers. A mixed methods approach was used to assess feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were measured by meeting a-priori cut-offs of >80% for recruitment, retention, and text message response rate. Participants also completed a semi-structured exit interview by telephone that assessed intervention components. Thirteen cancer survivors and six caregivers (n = 19) participated in this pilot study; 78% self-identified as Hispanic. Mean time since treatment completion for survivors was 11.9 years (SD 8.4), and 67% had breast cancer. Cancer survivors had a higher acceptability rate for physical activity (94%) compared to nutrition messages (86%), whereas equal acceptability rates were observed for both types of messages among caregivers (91%). Texting interventions are a feasible, acceptable, and a cost-effective strategy that have the potential to promote lifestyle behavior change among Hispanic cancer survivors and caregivers.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health worldwide, with depression and sleep problems among the most common issues experienced by many individuals. Depression can lead to sleep problems, which can increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms. However, it is unclear which United States (US) sub-population was most affected by depression and sleep problems during the pandemic. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis using self-reported data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), focusing on adults aged 18 years and above (n=29,763). We utilized self-reported responses to questions about prescription medication and frequency of depressive feelings to determine participants’ depression status. Appropriate weights were applied to account for the sampling design of the surveys. Our analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests to compare sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, and sleep-related characteristics between US adults with and without depression. Additionally, logistic regression was used to examine the associations between sleep duration, sleep quality and depression. Results: The overall prevalence of depression in our sample was 44.4%. It were higher in certain demographic groups, including younger adults (18– 39 years, 47.7%), non-Hispanic whites (47.9%), females (50.1%), those at the lower income bracket (52.2%), those with no college or degree (48.7%) uninsured individuals (45.2%), and those reporting poor general health (71.9%). Individuals with depression had a 12% increased odds of experiencing short sleep (aOR: 1.12, 95% CI:1.04– 1.20, p< 0.001), 34% increased odds of experiencing long sleep (aOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.20– 1.50, p < 0.001) and more than 2.5 fold increased odds of reporting poor sleep quality (aOR:2.57, 95% CI: 2.40– 2.78; p< 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, all variables (sex, race/ethnicity, education, health insurance coverage, marital status, general health status and use of sleep medications, smoking and alcohol use status) were significantly predictors of poor sleep quality, with the exceptions of age and family income. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need to address sleep health in treating depression, especially during times of public health crises.

Exercise can improve quality of life in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, but evidence of the most effective intervention characteristics remains inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exercise on quality of life in women with breast cancer during chemotherapy and examine whether its relationship varies by described exercise modality, dose, and other study characteristics. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a systematic search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE) from Jan 1, 2005, to May 24, 2025, identified randomised controlled trials evaluating exercise interventions and constructs of quality of life in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Standardised mean differences (Hedges' g) were calculated and pooled using three-level random-effects models accounting for dependent effect sizes, and potential moderators were examined. 21 randomised controlled trials (3024 participants) were included. Overall, exercise interventions showed a significant positive effect on constructs of quality of life (ḡ=0·434 [95% CI 0·272-0·595], p<0·0001). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I²=55·76%). Described exercise modality significantly moderated effects (test statistic 3 for moderator differences 28·85, p<0·0001), with aerobic exercise (ḡ=0·482 [95% CI 0·272-0·595], p<0·0001), combined aerobic-strength training (ḡ=0·397 [0·156-0·639], p=0·0001), and strength-alone (ḡ=0·335 [0·002-0·669], p<0·049) showing significant benefits. This study is retrospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251044479). Exercise interventions significantly affect quality of life in women with breast cancer during chemotherapy. Aerobic and combined aerobic-strength training both showed significant benefits. Further research is needed to establish optimal exercise prescriptions. None.