Evaluating quality of life in overweight and obese patients with breast cancer who undergo radiotherapy

This study evaluated whether the Body Mass Index (BMI) influences the quality of life of breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. 

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a weight to height ratio calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms to their square of height in meters. A normal BMI ranges between 18.5 and 24.9kg/m2. It has been shown that overweight (BMI between 25 and 29.9kg/m2) and obese (BMI over 30kg/m2) women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer and usually have more complications from treatments. Radiotherapy or RT (a procedure which uses x-rays or gamma rays to kill cancer cells in a particular area of the body) is a commonly used treatment for patients with breast cancer. RT has been associated with a higher amount of immediate complications such as swelling of the arms because of lymphatic fluid retention (lymphedema) and pain in overweigh and obese patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the BMI on the quality of life of breast cancer patients treated with RT.

This study included140 patients with breast cancer treated with RT. All patients were asked to respond to a quality of life assessment before, during and after the RT treatment. Before RT, a high BMI (over 25kg/m2) was associated with greater tiredness and during RT patients reported worse physical well-being, pain, tiredness and general interference with everyday activities such as less enjoyment of life, work, walking, and relationships. Short-term side effects such as nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dry mouth, numbness and sadness were also more frequently reported by patients with a high BMI. After the RT, overweight and obese patients reported worse physical and functional well-being, sadness and interference with daily activities. Patients with a higher BMI who received chemotherapy or surgery in addition to RT also reported a poorer quality of life compared to normal weight patients. 

In summary, a higher BMI (more than 25kg/m2) was significantly associated with worse side effects and quality of life before, during and after RT in breast cancer patients.

Make a weight loss and exercise plan with your physician to limit the effects of radiotherapy on your life quality.