Significant Weight Gain Experienced by Nearly 20% of Breast Cancer Survivors in the Years Following Diagnosis

Belangrijkste concepten

Nearly 1 in 5 breast cancer survivors gain more than 10% of their body weight in the 6 years following their diagnosis, with younger age and lower weight at diagnosis being the strongest predictors of this excessive weight gain.

Samenvatting

The study examined the weight changes of 4,575 breast cancer survivors over a 6-year period following their diagnosis, and compared them to a control group of women without a history of cancer. The key findings are:

On average, breast cancer survivors gained 1.6% of their body weight, compared to 0.7% in the control group.
However, 18% of breast cancer survivors gained at least 10% of their body weight, compared to only 8% in the control group.
The same trend was observed for 15% and 20% weight gain.
Younger age at breast cancer diagnosis and lower baseline weight were the strongest predictors of more than 10% weight gain.
BRCA2 mutation and use of systemic chemotherapy treatment were also associated with excessive weight gain.
Factors that may contribute to weight gain include treatment-induced menopause, changes in estrogen production due to endocrine therapies, and stress/exhaustion from treatment.
The researchers emphasize the importance of implementing lifestyle interventions, such as dietary changes and regular exercise, to help mitigate weight gain in breast cancer survivors.

Statistieken

Nearly 1 in 5 breast cancer survivors will gain more than 10% of their bodyweight in the 6 years following their diagnosis.
Breast cancer survivors gained 1.6% of their body weight on average, compared to 0.7% in the control group.
18% of breast cancer survivors had gained at least 10% of their body weight, compared to 8% in the control group.
15% and 20% weight gain were also more common in breast cancer survivors than the control group.

Citaten

"Weight gain is a common concern after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment."
"This weight gain in breast cancer survivor increases breast cancer recurrence and mortality, increases cardiovascular disease and mortality, and also increases all-cause mortality."
"These findings highlight importance of lifestyle interventions, such as changes in the diet (increased vegetable, fruit, [and] whole grain intake; reduction in saturated fats, alcohol, [and] sweetened beverage consumption), and regular exercise."

Belangrijkste Inzichten Gedestilleerd Uit

About 20% of Breast Cancer Survivors Gain Excess Weight

by Lucy Hicks om www.medscape.com 06-07-2024

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/about-20-percent-breast-cancer-survivors-gain-excess-weight-2024a1000aqg

Diepere vragen

What specific dietary and exercise interventions have been shown to be most effective in preventing or managing weight gain in breast cancer survivors?

In preventing or managing weight gain in breast cancer survivors, specific dietary and exercise interventions have shown effectiveness. Dietary interventions include increasing vegetable, fruit, and whole grain intake while reducing saturated fats, alcohol, and sweetened beverage consumption. These changes can help regulate calorie intake and promote overall health. Exercise interventions are equally crucial, with regular physical activity playing a significant role in weight management. Incorporating a mix of aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises can help maintain muscle mass, boost metabolism, and aid in weight control.

How do the weight gain patterns and associated factors differ between different subtypes of breast cancer and their respective treatments?

Weight gain patterns and associated factors can vary between different subtypes of breast cancer and their respective treatments. For instance, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer may be influenced by hormonal therapies that can impact weight regulation. In contrast, HER2-positive breast cancer treatments may have different effects on metabolism and weight due to targeted therapies. Additionally, triple-negative breast cancer patients may experience weight changes related to the aggressive nature of the disease and its treatments. Factors such as age at diagnosis, baseline weight, genetic mutations, and specific treatments can all contribute to the variability in weight gain patterns among different breast cancer subtypes.

What are the long-term health implications of the observed weight gain in breast cancer survivors, and how can healthcare providers best support these patients in maintaining a healthy weight?

The observed weight gain in breast cancer survivors can have significant long-term health implications, including increased risk of breast cancer recurrence, cardiovascular disease, and overall mortality. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in supporting these patients in maintaining a healthy weight by implementing tailored interventions. This may involve personalized dietary plans, exercise recommendations, and ongoing monitoring of weight changes. Providing education on the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, can empower breast cancer survivors to take control of their weight and overall well-being. Additionally, offering psychological support and resources to manage stress and fatigue from treatment can further aid in weight management and long-term health outcomes.