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Dietary experiences and support needs of women who gain weight following chemotherapy for breast cancer

Supportive Care in Cancer volume 23, pages 1561–1568 (2015)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

Weight gain is common but poorly understood in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Overweight and obesity are associated with other co-morbidities, reduced self-esteem and an increased risk of cancer recurrence. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences, dietary information and support needs of women who gain weight during chemotherapy treatment.

Methods

This study used a qualitative approach to explore the experiences of women from three Melbourne breast cancer clinics. Those who gained weight during the period of enrolment in a cohort study of chemotherapy-related taste changes were invited to participate in this qualitative interview study. Eligibility for inclusion was a gain in body weight between the commencement of chemotherapy and 2 months after its completion. Semi-structured interviews explored changes in diet, physical activity patterns, weight changes, dietary information and support needs and sources. Thematic analysis of the interview data was performed.

Results

Seventeen women were interviewed. Three key themes emerged from the following data: (i) undesirable impacts of cancer treatment on diet and physical activity, (ii) surprise and concern associated with changes to weight and diet and (iii) insufficient dietary information and support.

Conclusions

This study has described the practical and informational dietary support needs of women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and reasons for dietary change. There may be gaps in information and support provision after diagnosis in the areas of weight management, nutrition-related side effects of chemotherapy and healthy eating. Models of dietetic practice and the provision of tailored dietary information should be explored.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge (i) Tracey Dryden for her contribution to the interview guide and conducting the participant interviews and (ii) the important contribution of all patients who participated in interviews for this study.

Conflict of interest

None of the authors have a conflict of interest to declare.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Alastair Kwok & Claire Palermo

  2. Department of Cancer Experiences Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Alastair Kwok & Anna Boltong

  3. Cancer Information and Support Service, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Anna Boltong

  4. Melbourne School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Anna Boltong

Authors
  1. Alastair Kwok
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  2. Claire Palermo
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  3. Anna Boltong
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Anna Boltong.

Additional information

The corresponding author has full control to the primary data associated with this study and can provide the journal with access to this data upon request for review.

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Kwok, A., Palermo, C. & Boltong, A. Dietary experiences and support needs of women who gain weight following chemotherapy for breast cancer. Support Care Cancer 23, 1561–1568 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2496-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2496-5

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