The purpose of this study is to establish feasiblity of recruiting obese breast cancer survivors at the end of treatment, getting those survivors to lose weight and attend follow-up visits for 6 months.
Breast cancer related lymphedema occurs in 20-30% of survivors. Weight loss could prevent onset. We seek to do a pilot study to establish feasibility of 1) recruiting survivors at risk for lymphedema to do a weight loss intervention, 2) achieving 10-15% weight loss over 26 weeks in this population, and 3) attendance at follow-up visits 6 months.
Women Breast Cancer Survivors who had 5 or more lymph nodes removed and radiation to lymph nodes as part of treatment. Completed all treatments - no metastatic cancers Overweight or obese (BMI greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2) Medically and logistically able to participate in a weight loss and exercise program over 6 months. Diagnosed with breast cancer within the past 2 years.
Exclusion Criteria:
More than 2 years since breast cancer diagnosis Medical status that would preclude safety of participation in a weight loss and exercise program Metastatic cancer Already enrolled in a weight loss program
