Abstract 4438: Effect of weight gain on quality of life in young indigent breast cancer survivors
Authors: Heinrich Penny , Burton Gary V. , Shi Runhua , Quispe Dolly 
Published: August 2012

Background: Prior studies have reported weight gain in over 50% of early stage breast cancer patients regardless of adjuvant therapy received. Weight gain may impair quality of life (QOL) and have a deleterious psychological impact on pts already suffering from loss of self-esteem and altered self-image. Little is known about the relationship between weight gain and QOL in young ethnic/racial minority or low socio-economic status (SES) breast cancer survivors. Louisiana has an obesity prevalence above 25% and has the third highest poverty level in the US. Louisiana State University Health in Shreveport provides cancer care to most residents with low SES. The objective of this study was to determine the association between weight gain after breast cancer diagnosis and QOL in young indigent long-term survivors. Methods: Pts with a history of stage 0-3 breast cancer diagnosed prior to age 50 and prior to 2006 were eligible. Pts, identified on clinic follow-up, signed an IRB approved informed consent and completed a self-administered questionnaire that combined demographics, co-morbidities, self-rated body image and QOL (Quality of Life in Adult Survivors Scale [QLACS]). The pts’ weight and height at diagnosis were obtained from the medical records. Percent weight change between time of diagnosis and study entry was calculated. Pts were classified according to their weight change (Δ5% increase versus &lt;5% increase). Socio-demographics and breast cancer staging were collected from existing medical records. Responses were scored and compared between the two groups. Results: 106 pts participate in the study. 71 were African American and 35 were Caucasian. The median age at breast cancer diagnosis was 43, 85% completed 12th grade, 48% were uninsured and 17% had Medicaid coverage. 59 pts were obese, 27 overweight and 20 normal weight at the time of cancer diagnosis. 47 pts (44%) gained Δ5%. Pts who gained Δ5% weight were more likely to be non-smokers (48% vs. 15%, p=0.0025) and have a younger age at cancer diagnosis (42yo. vs. 45yo, p=0.01). QOL measurement showed pts who gained Δ5% had lower median scores in the domains of negative feelings (anxiety, mood swings) p=0.007 and family distress (worries about family risk of cancer) p=0.01. There were no differences in other domains regarding generic concerns and cancer-specific concerns. Conclusion: Surprisingly, QOL was superior in pts who gained weight after breast cancer therapy. These results are concerning as increased body weight may adversely impact breast cancer outcomes. Other factors that might contribute to this finding are not defined and additional research on a larger population will be necessary to identify interventions to improve QOL in pts with early stage breast cancer.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4438. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4438