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

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.