Body weight change in women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: a French prospective study

Abstract

Background & aims: Adjuvant chemotherapy has frequently been associated with weight gain after breast cancer diagnosis. We aimed to prospectively evaluate body weight variations in French patients with early breast cancer.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 272 breast cancer patients who were candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy. Weight and body mass index were measured at baseline visit, then at 9 and 15 months from baseline (6 and 12-month post-chemotherapy). At baseline visit, information on the benefits of weight gain prevention and healthy diet was given by a dietician. Univariate logistic regression was performed to test the association between weight gain and potential predictive factors.

Results: Thirty percent of patients gained weight during the year before diagnosis, 26% were overweight and 15% were obese. At one year, the mean weight change was +1.5kg (SD=4.1) and +2.3% (SD=6.0); 60% of the cohort had gained weight, with a median increase of 3.9kg (SD=3.0) and 5.9% (SD=4.4). Reported weight gain during the year before diagnosis appears to be the only factor associated with the absence of post-chemotherapy weight gain (OR=0.54, 95% CI [0.31-0.95], p=0.034).

Conclusion: Body weight increased in the post-chemotherapy period in French breast cancer survivors, even when given dietary recommendations. Appropriate weight management interventions with nutritional follow-up and physical activity programs are needed.