Weight Gain After Breast Cancer

1 min

Close to two-thirds of 309 breast cancer patients surveyed put on an average of 9 kilograms (close to 20 pounds) in the 12 to 18 months following their diagnosis. The research found that the proportion of patients who were overweight or obese increased from 48 percent at the time of diagnosis to 67 percent at the time of the survey. The proportion of women who were obese increased from 17 percent to 32 percent, researchers reported. “As well as significant weight gain, we also found high levels of concern about weight among our survey participants” said study leader Carolyn Ee, Ph.D. of Western Sydney University. Guidelines from the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia recommend prescribing exercise to all women diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Ee was quoted as saying that many women experience fatigue after being diagnosed with breast cancer, which can be a barrier to staying active even though studies show exercise is an effective treatment for fatigue.

Source:
Carolyn Ee et al, “Weight before and after a diagnosis of breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ: a national Australian survey,” BMC Cancer, February 20, 2020

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