The frequency, magnitude and timing of post-diagnosis body weight gain in Dutch breast cancer survivors

Eur J Cancer. 2009 Jan;45(1):119-26. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2008.09.003. Epub 2008 Oct 17.

Abstract

To evaluate the association between systemic treatments and post-diagnosis weight gain in breast cancer patients during longer follow-up periods, we conducted a retrospective cohort study (n=271). Information on adjuvant systemic treatments and repeated body weight measurements was obtained from medical records, and analysed using multi-level regressions. During the first year, a mean weight change of +2.0kg (SD 4.9) was observed. Overall, 29% of all breast cancer patients had gained 5kg or more in body weight during total follow-up (median: 3 years). In multi-level analyses, women who received combined systemic treatment gained significantly more weight as compared with women who received no systemic treatment (4.5kg versus 2.0kg at 5 years post-diagnosis, p<0.05). Significant weight gain occurs in breast cancer patients in the Netherlands during the first year post-diagnosis. After the first year, further weight gain mainly occurs in women who receive chemotherapy in combination with endocrine therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Estrogen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Menopause
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survivors*
  • Weight Gain*

Substances

  • Estrogen Antagonists