Almost 20% of breast cancer survivors may experience excess weight gain, Study reveals

Almost one out of five breast cancer survivors may experience weight gain of more than 10%, suggested a study presented at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among women globally, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. It ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, accounting for a significant portion of cancer mortality worldwide.

The study found that factors associated with more than 10% weight gain included a lower weight, younger age, and more advanced cancer stage at cancer diagnosis; hormone-positive breast cancer; mutations of the BRCA2 gene; undergoing more aggressive breast surgery; and the use of chemotherapy and endocrine therapy.

“Weight gain after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is a common concern among survivors and poses a risk factor for breast cancer recurrence. In addition to increasing the risk of breast cancer recurrence, weight gain increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. In breast cancer survivors, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death after breast cancer itself,” said study lead researcher Maria Daniela Hurtado Andrade.

The goal of the study was to identify which breast cancer survivors are at risk of weight gain during their survivorship.

Using a registry of 4,744 breast cancer survivors, the researchers found that over six years after breast cancer diagnosis, weight increased on average by two pounds. While this was only a modest weight gain, they found that 18% of survivors gained more than 10% of their body weight at six years.

“The variables we found to be associated with excess weight gain could be used as predictors of weight gain in this population. Identifying these patients early in the survivorship course will allow us to institute measures to prevent excess weight gain, thereby improving breast cancer and cardiovascular disease outcomes. Our overarching goal is to promote healthy longevity in breast cancer survivors,” said Maria.

Reference: Maria Daniela Hurtado Andrade,M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic; Almost 20% of breast cancer survivors may experience excess weight gain; THE ENDOCRINE SOCIETY; MEETING: ENDO 2024