The Connection Between Weight and Breast Cancer
- Research from Yale University, published in Nature Partner Journals (NPJ) Breast Cancer, suggests the amount of body weight a patient gains or loses may have an impact on survival.
- “Evidence suggests large weight gain is associated with poorer survival. Large weight loss after breast cancer diagnosis among patients diagnosed with stages 1, 2, and 3 was associated with a 41% higher risk of overall mortality (death) compared with weight stability over two years after a diagnosis,” the report says.
- Increased weight and obesity have been linked to an elevated risk of many cancers, including breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to research published in the medical journal “Cancer.”
- A major health challenge, such as battling cancer, can impact your body physically and emotionally, causing noticeable changes to your appearance. Coping with these changes, such as weight gain or loss, hair loss, or infertility, is all possible amid cancer treatment.
- One way to prepare yourself for possible body changes during cancer treatment is to understand that changes are possible but also temporary. This can also help build up your self-confidence. Your support group, filled with loved ones, can help you during this stage of your journey.
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress are some of the things SurvivorNet experts recommend for cancer survivors to lead healthy lives. Getting regular checks for recurrence may also be recommended.
Cancer treatment can affect your body physically and emotionally. Although many of the body changes are temporary, they can be really hard to live with during treatment. Many women struggle to feel like themselves again after breast cancer treatment.
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Among the takeaways in the study: weight gain “was associated with estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR-) receptors, HER2 positive breast cancer tumors.”
Women who did not receive chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment lost an average of 4 pounds over five years compared to women who received chemotherapy and barely gained a pound. Women who did not receive radiation lost roughly 4 pounds over five years compared to women who lost roughly a pound during the same 5-year period.
The Yale researchers say the amount of body weight gained or lost matters because it may influence a woman’s survival ability.
“Evidence suggests large weight gain is associated with poorer survival. Large weight loss after breast cancer diagnosis among patients diagnosed with stages 1, 2, and 3 was associated with a 41% higher risk of overall mortality (death) compared with weight stability over two years after a diagnosis,” the report says.
“Monitoring weight changes and incorporating early interventions for weight management should be part of clinical care. While not discussed in this study, a multidisciplinary approach is critical for weight management. Lifestyle modifications, patient counseling, and education, referral to specialists such as registered dietitians, obesity medicine specialists, and endocrinologists, and consideration of weight loss medications are some approaches that may be helpful,” Dr. Teplinsky explained.
Helping You Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Impact Weight Has on Breast Cancer Risk
Increased weight and obesity have been linked to an elevated risk of many cancers, including breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to research published in the medical journal “Cancer.”
Although many studies have been done on breast cancer and body weight, the relationship between a person’s weight and breast cancer diagnosis is not exactly straightforward.
Studies link being overweight or obese before menopause to a 10-20% lower risk of breast cancer. However, after menopause, this relationship is reversed. Women who are overweight or obese after menopause are at a “20-60% higher risk” for breast cancer than lean women. Most breast cancers start after menopause, and weight gain from younger years can carry over into the older years.
“Avoiding adult weight gain may contribute importantly to the prevention of breast cancer after menopause,” researchers who studied the effects of weight and weight gain on breast cancer risk say in JAMA.
WATCH: Dealing with body image during cancer treatment.
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
The general recommendations for a healthy lifestyle are similar whether you have cancer or not.
Dr. Ken Miller, the Director of Outpatient Oncology at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, shared some guidelines for cancer survivors who are concerned about a recurrence with SurvivorNet:
- Exercise at least two hours a week, and walking counts.
- Eat a low-fat diet.
- Eat a colorful diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. The American Cancer Society recommends aiming for two to three cups of vibrant vegetables and fruits each day.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that being obese can increase your risk for several types of cancer.
Dr. Ken Miller shares recommendations for a healthy lifestyle during treatment.
How to Cope with Your New Body After Cancer
One way to prepare yourself for possible body changes during cancer treatment is to understand that changes are possible but also temporary. This can also help build up your self-confidence. Your support group, filled with loved ones, can help you during this stage of your journey.
Psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin shares with SurvivorNet some additional tips cancer warriors can explore to help manage the emotional toll body changes can have during treatment.
Dr. Strongin encourages cancer warriors to take ownership of the part (or parts) of their body mostly impacted by cancer treatment. She says although they may represent “fear and pain,” they also represent “strength and courage.”
“Research has found that when looking in the mirror, we are more likely to focus on the parts of our body we are dissatisfied with, which causes us to have a negative self-view and lower self-esteem. Therefore, I would like for you to first spend time gazing at the parts of your body you love, give them time, honor them, and then thank them,” Dr. Strongin said.
Dr. Strongin then suggests looking at the part or parts of your body impacted by the cancer or cancer treatment. She recommends creating a regular practice of accepting your body image because it helps you accept your cancer journey emotionally and physically.
“As you allow yourself to spend more time looking at all of you, you will begin having a new relationship with your body. It may not happen immediately, but with time, you can begin honoring and thanking your new body.
If you are able, try managing your physical fitness, weight management, and focusing on your mental health to help you cope with body changes during treatment.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
It is a good idea to discuss how your current weight puts you at risk for breast cancer with your physician. Some questions to guide this discussion could include:
- Does my weight put me at an increased risk for breast cancer?
- Will losing weight help decrease my risk?
- Should I use lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise to reduce my weight?
- Should I consider bariatric surgery?
- Am I a good candidate for the surgery?
- What benefits will I derive from the surgery?
- What will my risk of breast cancer be after the surgery?
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