PHCA9516: Analysing Stage-Based Models for Cancer Prevention

This discussion post delves into the application of stage-based models, specifically the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), in the context of cancer prevention. The author reflects on personal observations of behavior change, citing an example of a family member quitting smoking and progressing through the stages of precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The post acknowledges the challenges in applying theoretical models due to the complexities of social structures and individual differences, while also highlighting the potential for these models to raise awareness and promote health behaviors related to diet, risk factors, and psychosocial influences in preventing cancer and lifestyle diseases. The discussion also touches on the limitations of standardized approaches to behavior change and the potential for relapse, while emphasizing the value of these models in health promotion and public health education.

Running head: STAGE BASED MODEL
STAGE BASED MODEL
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Authors note:

1STAGED BASED MODEL
Answer 1
As I go back analyse the trans theoretical model, I could not stop myself questioning as to how
some people are so capable of doing something like quitting smoke. However, from the
development of the TTM model has been strongly based on the factor of decision making and
has also emphasized on the circular process. I have witnessed in my uncle’s case, that when his
son was in his adolescence, he had suddenly stopped smoking. In this forward action of taking
the step to abandon the habit of smoking, it could be understood that he had been already
overcome the stages of precontemplation, contemplation and preparation and then of course he
was adamant to quit smoking. I believe his contemplation was in the fact that in house smoking
would influence smoking behaviour in his son as well. Well, now it is in the termination stage,
and it seems he does not want fall back upon his old habits. Therefore, in this scenario I have
found out that the decision making is something related to strong cause, I also agree to the fact
that decision making can be hampered or moulded by the influence of the environment.
However, if the person has passed the stage of maintenance he would be able to overcome the
wrong habit. Hence, strong cause has to be the motivation force behind leaving behind the entire
circle.
Answer 2
Yes, I agree to the fact that the applications of theoretic models have their own disadvantages.
We live in socially complex structure and there various socio economic factors that affects the
development of certain habits in a person. Validation on the standardization of people accepting
change is also questionable and remains uncenrtain. Moreover, the entire process is not
completely time bound especially when it comes to the relapse and precontemplation part when
our motivation is at loose ends and wants to fall back into the old habits. Having said that, I

2STAGED BASED MODEL
believe that the propagation of this theory could create mass awareness and inculcating a hint to
alter the choices at the present moment. Hence, I believe for health promotion and public health
awareness it is a great way of educating ourselves and equating the habits of our dietary intake,
risk factors and other psycho social factors that could act as a catalyst to understand the concept
of prevention of cancer and other lifestyle diseases among people.