scholarly journals Weight management barriers and facilitators after breast cancer in Australian women: a national survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Ee ◽  
Adele Elizabeth Cave ◽  
Dhevaksha Naidoo ◽  
Kellie Bilinski ◽  
John Boyages
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Weight Gain Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exercise Interventions

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Weight gain after breast cancer is associated with poorer health outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe how Australian breast cancer survivors are currently managing their weight. Methods: Online cross-sectional survey open to any woman living in Australia who self-identified as having breast cancer, between November 2017 and January 2018. Results: We received 309 responses. Most respondents described their diet as good/excellent and reported moderate-high levels of weight self-efficacy. Despite this, the proportion of overweight/obesity increased from 47% at time of diagnosis to 67% at time of survey. More than three quarters of respondents did not receive any advice on weight gain prevention at the time of diagnosis. 39% of women reported being less active after cancer diagnosis, and and few weight loss interventions were perceived to be effective. Facilitators were structured exercise programs, prescribed diets, and accountability to someone else, while commonly cited barriers were lack of motivation/willpower, fatigue, and difficulty maintaining weight. Women who cited fatigue as a barrier were almost twice as likely to be doing low levels of physical activity (PA) or no PA than women who did not cite fatigue as a barrier. Conclusions: We report high levels of concern about weight gain after BC and significant gaps in service provision around weight gain prevention and weight management. Women with BC should be provided with support for weight gain prevention in the early survivorship phase, which should include structured PA and dietary changes in combination with behavioural change and social support. Weight gain prevention or weight loss programs should address barriers such as fatigue. More research is required on the effectiveness of diet and exercise interventions in BC survivors, particularly with regard to weight gain prevention.

scholarly journals Weight management barriers and facilitators after breast cancer in Australian women: a national survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Ee ◽  
Adele Elizabeth Cave ◽  
Dhevaksha Naidoo ◽  
Kellie Bilinski ◽  
John Boyages
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Weight Gain Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Exercise Interventions

Abstract Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Weight gain after breast cancer is associated with poorer health outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe how Australian breast cancer survivors are currently managing their weight.Methods Online cross-sectional survey open to any woman living in Australia who self-identified as having breast cancer, between November 2017 and January 2018.Results We received 309 responses. Most respondents described their diet as good/excellent and reported moderate-high levels of weight self-efficacy. Despite this, the proportion of overweight/obesity increased from 47% at time of diagnosis to 67% at time of survey. More than three quarters of respondents did not receive any advice on weight gain prevention at the time of diagnosis. 39% of women reported being less active after cancer diagnosis, and and few weight loss interventions were perceived to be effective. Facilitators were structured exercise programs, prescribed diets, and accountability to someone else, while commonly cited barriers were lack of motivation/willpower, fatigue, and difficulty maintaining weight. Women who cited fatigue as a barrier were almost twice as likely to be doing low levels of physical activity or no physical activity than women who did not cite fatigue as a barrier.Conclusions We report high levels of concern about weight gain after BC and significant gaps in service provision around weight gain prevention and weight management. Women with BC should be provided with support for weight gain prevention in the early survivorship phase, which should include structured physical activity and dietary changes in combination with behavioural change and social support. Weight gain prevention or weight loss programs should address barriers such as fatigue. More research is required on the effectiveness of diet and exercise interventions in BC survivors, particularly with regard to weight gain prevention.

scholarly journals Weight gain prior to entry into a weight-loss intervention study among overweight and obese breast cancer survivors

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 410-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Sedjo ◽  
Tim Byers ◽  
Patricia A. Ganz ◽  
Graham A. Colditz ◽  
Wendy Demark-Wahnefried ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention

Psychological Distress and Social Support Availability in Different Family Caregivers of Latinas With Breast Cancer

2019 ◽  
pp. 104365961989682
Author(s):  
Chris Segrin ◽  
Terry Badger ◽  
Alla Sikorskii
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diverse Range

Introduction: Latinas with breast cancer draw on a diverse range of family members for informal care. Latin cultures typically prescribe high levels of support and care for an ill family member that leave caregivers vulnerable to compromised well-being. Method: In this cross-sectional survey study, 258 family caregivers of Latinas with breast cancer completed reports of psychological distress, availability of social support, and acculturation. Results: Mothers who provide care to a daughter with breast cancer experience higher levels of psychological distress and report lower availability of informational support than most other types of family caregivers. Mothers’ lower levels of acculturation may at least partially explain these reductions in well-being. Discussion: This study highlights the diverse range of family and fictive kin who participate in family caregiving for Latina breast cancer survivors. Spousal caregivers may not represent a unique population, whereas mothers as caregivers are indeed distinct for their higher distress levels.

scholarly journals Real-world experiences with acupuncture among breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional survey study

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 5833-5838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Zayas ◽  
Kathryn J. Ruddy ◽  
Janet E. Olson ◽  
Fergus J. Couch ◽  
Brent A. Bauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Real World ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Experiences of African American Breast Cancer Survivors Using Digital Scales and Activity Trackers in a Weight Gain Prevention Intervention: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julianne M Power ◽  
Deborah F Tate ◽  
Carmina G Valle
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Weight Gain Prevention ◽  
Activity Tracking ◽  
Activity Trackers

BACKGROUND The use of digital tools to promote daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking may be a promising strategy for weight control among African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS). There have been no studies exploring the acceptability and feasibility of using digital tools for weight control or qualitative studies characterizing perceptions of daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking among AABCS. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking using digital tools, including wireless scales and activity trackers, in a sample of AABCS participating in two technology-based weight gain prevention interventions over 6 months. METHODS Semistructured interviews (N=21) were conducted in person or over the phone, were audio recorded, and then transcribed verbatim. Each transcript was read to identify key themes and develop a codebook. Each transcript was coded using Atlas.ti software, and code outputs were used to identify overarching themes and patterns in the data. RESULTS On average, participants were 52.6 (SD 8.3) years of age, with obesity at baseline (BMI 33.1 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, SD 5.9), and weighed on 123.4 (SD 48.0) days out of the 168 days (73.5%) in the study period. Women tended to attribute their weight gain to cancer treatment and framed program benefits in terms of improved quality of life and perceptions of prolonging their survival following treatment. Using the smart scale for daily self-weighing was viewed as the tool by which participants could control their weight and improve their health and well-being posttreatment. The activity tracker increased awareness of physical activity and motivated participants to be more active. CONCLUSIONS Participants reported positive experiences and benefits from daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking. Findings suggest that daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking using digital tools are well-received, acceptable, and feasible intervention strategies for AABCS in the context of posttreatment weight management.

scholarly journals Effect of Postdiagnosis Weight Change on Hot Flash Status Among Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivors

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (13) ◽  
pp. 1492-1497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bette J. Caan ◽  
Jennifer A. Emond ◽  
H. Irene Su ◽  
Ruth E. Patterson ◽  
Shirley W. Flatt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Breast Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Intentional Weight Loss ◽  
Previously Treated

Purpose Hot flashes (HF) affect a large proportion of breast cancer (BC) survivors and can negatively affect their quality of life. Treatments other than estrogen replacement to alleviate HF are needed. Body weight is related to hot flashes, but little is known about the effect of weight change on HF. Patients and Methods We used data from 3,088 women previously treated for early-stage BC who were enrolled onto the Women's Healthy Eating and Living study to examine the association between weight change after a breast cancer diagnosis and the odds of reporting HF. Results Overall, 36.1% of participants reported moderate to severe HF at study entry. At 2 years postdiagnosis, 69.2% of women remained within 10%, 4.8% lost at least 10%, and 26.0% gained at least 10% of their prediagnosis weight. Those who gained at least 10% of their prediagnosis weight had a greater risk of reporting HF than women who remained weight stable in that same period (odds ratio [OR], 1.33; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.60; P = .003). Weight loss of at least 10% of prediagnosis weight was associated with a nonsignificant reduced risk (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.08; P = .118) of reporting HF. However, the trend of weight change (weight loss and weight gain) on HF was significant both when examined categorically (P = .03) and continuously (P < .001). Conclusion Prevention of weight gain after a BC diagnosis—a modifiable behavior—may offer a viable intervention for relief of HF. Effects of intentional weight loss in BC survivors requires further study.

scholarly journals Study protocol for a nationwide questionnaire survey of physical activity among breast cancer survivors in Japan

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e032871
Author(s):  
Yoichi Shimizu ◽  
Katsunori Tsuji ◽  
Eisuke Ochi ◽  
Hirokazu Arai ◽  
Ryo Okubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Population Distribution ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

IntroductionA major concern is that few cancer survivors meet the guidelines for recommended levels of physical activity. No studies have investigated physical activity among breast cancer survivors nationwide in Japan. Therefore, the aims of this study are to identify the levels of physical activity among breast cancer survivors, to examine factors-related physical activity among breast cancer survivors and to identify breast cancer survivors’ preferences for and interest in exercise programmes in order to inform the future programme development.Methods and analysisWe will administer a cross-sectional survey using a self-report questionnaire to breast cancer survivors. At each of 50 facilities selected to include a variety of institutional backgrounds according to the population distribution of different regions throughout Japan, we will consecutively distribute the questionnaire to 30 outpatients who have completed initial treatments, except for hormone therapy. The target sample size is 1500 survivors. We will calculate descriptive statistics for each measurement item and perform univariate and multivariate analyses using outcome measures (eg, physical activity and quality of life) related to physical, psychological, social and environmental factors.DiscussionThis is the first nationwide survey of physical activity levels among breast cancer survivors in Japan. Identifying the factors associated with physical activity will help us to develop, disseminate and implement programmes that encourage more survivors to adhere to physical activity guidelines.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the National Cancer Center on 11 January 2019 (ID: 2018–295). In addition, many of the participating facilities required ethical approval from their local IRBs, while others did not. Accordingly, approval from the local IRBs of individual facilities was obtained when required. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

A Cross-Sectional Survey of Pain Catastrophising and Acupuncture Use among Breast Cancer Survivors

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Lee ◽  
Sheila N Garland ◽  
Angela DeMichele ◽  
John T Farrar ◽  
Eun-Ok Im ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Alternative Therapy ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pain Catastrophising

Introduction Treatment-related joint pain affects almost half of all women with breast cancer using aromatase inhibitors and is a major reason for terminating treatment. Although acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular, evidence-based option for treating pain, little is known about the potential influence of psychological factors on acupuncture use. Objective We aimed to evaluate the association between pain catastrophising and use of acupuncture in breast cancer survivors experiencing arthralgia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of arthralgic breast cancer patients. Patients were asked if they had used acupuncture since their cancer diagnosis. The Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS) was used to measure negative coping styles related to the experience of pain. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between pain catastrophising and acupuncture use, adjusting for covariates. Results Of the 424 participants, 69 (16%) reported use of acupuncture since their breast cancer diagnosis. In multivariate analyses, compared to those in the lowest PCS score tertile, patients with the highest PCS scores were more likely to have used acupuncture (p=0.03). In particular, patients with high levels of rumination (p=0.005) and magnification (p=0.008) were more likely to have used acupuncture. Helplessness was not associated with acupuncture use (p=0.23). Conclusions High levels of pain catastrophising, and specifically the processes of rumination and magnification, were associated with greater acupuncture use. We believe this could have important implications for understanding which population is more likely to seek acupuncture treatment and how this alternative therapy could be better targeted to these patients.

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