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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 6/2015

01-06-2015 | Original Article

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

Authors: Alastair Kwok, Claire Palermo, Anna Boltong

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 6/2015

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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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Metadata
Title
Dietary experiences and support needs of women who gain weight following chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors
Alastair Kwok
Claire Palermo
Anna Boltong
Publication date
01-06-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2496-5

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