Changes in Weight and Body Composition Among Women With Breast Cancer During and After Adjuvant Treatment: A Prospective Follow-up Study.

BACKGROUND

Antineoplastic adjuvant treatment for breast cancer can cause changes in women's weight and body composition and influence their general health and survival.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the extent and patterns of change in weight and body composition after current standard adjuvant antineoplastic treatment for breast cancer.

METHODS

Data on weight and body composition from 95 women with breast cancer Stage I to III were obtained during 18 months on a bioelectric impedance analyzer. Changes and odds ratio (OR) were calculated by a linear mixed model and logistic regression.

RESULTS

At 18 months, there was an increase in weight of 0.9 kg (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3-1.5; P = .003) and an average positive association of 0.35 kg/cm increased waist circumference (95% CI, 0.29-0.42 kg; P < .0001). Relative weight changes ranged from -12.7% to 20.5%. Weight gains related to increased body fat were observed mainly in premenopausal women receiving chemotherapy (1.4 kg; 95% CI, 0.4-2.4; P = .007). For menopausal status, OR was 2.9 (95% CI, 1.14-7.1; P = .025), and for chemotherapy, OR was 2.6 (95% CI, 1.03-6.41; P = .043). The OR for weight loss in Stage III breast cancer was 12.5 (95% CI, 1.21-128.84; P = .034) and 4.3 (CI, 1.07-17.24; P = .40) for comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Results demonstrate that weight changes in a pooled sample are overestimated. However, premenopausal women receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy show a tendency toward a body composition with increasing fat mass.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A scheduled assessment of changes in weight and body composition is relevant at 18 months after treatment. To compare future studies, common measuring and cutoff points are needed.