Weight Gain in Breast Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy: Exploring Hormonal Body Composition and Behavioral Mechanisms
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to observe the relative contribution of thyroid function, sex-hormonal levels, physical activity, psychological state and nutritional intake on changes in body weight in a group of breast cancer patients, receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Women scheduled to receive adjuvant chemotherapy were assessed prior to their first infusion and followed until the end of treatment and changes in weight, body composition, physical activity, nutritional intake, fatigue, sex-hormones, thyroid hormones and ways of coping were observed. Fifty-three subjects completed the study during the first year. Preliminary results indicate that the average age of this cohort is 48.96 years, 43.9% were smokers, 48% had a family history of breast cancer, 56% reported increased fatigue and 55% gained weight during chemotherapy. Hyperphagia was observed during treatment, with percent fat intake increasing from 26% to 30.2% by the end of therapy. However, we observed a significant decrease in the average hours worked from 33.4 hours per week to 12.7 hours by the end of therapy. Fifty five percent of the subjects were pre-menopausal at baseline, but all patients were amenorrheic at the completion of therapy with 72.5% showing a significant decrease in serum total estradiol levels post therapy. Thyroxine- binding-globulin levels were elevated in 68.8% of the subjects after therapy while Triiodothyronine-3 uptake levels were decreased indicative of lowered thyroid function. Based on the preliminary observations, weight gain in breast cancer patients may be a phenomenon resulting from hormonal and lifestyle changes and offers an opportunity for prevention and improved prognosis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA389912
Entities
People
- Nagi B. Kumar
Organizations
- University of South Florida