Weight changes and lifestyle behaviors in women after breast cancer diagnosis: a cross-sectional study
2011

Weight Changes and Lifestyle in Women After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Sample size: 368 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yaw Yong Heng, Shariff Zalilah Mohd, Kandiah Mirnalini, Mun Chan Yoke, Yusof Rokiah Mohd, Othman Zabedah, Saibul Nurfaizah, Weay Yong Heng, Hashim Zailina

Primary Institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia

Hypothesis

What are the changes in weight and lifestyle behaviors of women after a breast cancer diagnosis?

Conclusion

Most women experienced weight gain after their breast cancer diagnosis, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Supporting Evidence

  • 63.3% of women experienced weight gain after diagnosis.
  • 47.8% of women gained at least 5% of their weight.
  • Women with >10% weight gain had the lowest fruit and vegetable intake.

Takeaway

Many women gain weight after being diagnosed with breast cancer, even if they try to eat healthier.

Methodology

The study surveyed 368 women with breast cancer, measuring current weight and height, and assessing dietary intake and physical activity.

Potential Biases

Voluntary participation may lead to selection bias, as those more health-conscious may have been more likely to participate.

Limitations

The study's sample may not represent all breast cancer survivors in Malaysia, and self-reported weight could introduce recall bias.

Participant Demographics

{"median_age":53,"ethnicity":{"Malay":57.1,"Chinese":33.2,"Indian":9.8},"employment_status":{"employed":30.7,"unemployed":69.3},"menopausal_status":{"pre-menopausal":19.0,"post-menopausal":81.0}}

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.90-3.55

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-309

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