Abstract
Purpose
Obesity and weight gain in breast cancer survivors leads to a greater risk of recurrence and a decreased chance of survival. A paucity of data exists regarding strengths, weaknesses, and barriers for implementing culturally sensitive, patient-centered interventions for weight management among minority communities. The objective of this study was to evaluate breast cancer patients’ experience and perspectives regarding weight management in a racially diverse population.
Methods
Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with breast cancer patients with a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 regarding their experience with weight management. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was conducted.
Results
Participants (n = 17) most commonly self-identified as non-Hispanic Black (70.6%). Nearly all participants felt comfortable being approached about weight management, yet less than half (41.2%) reported that they knew about the link between breast cancer and body weight prior to the interview. Four themes emerged: (1) lack of knowledge regarding the link between body weight and breast cancer risk, (2) barriers to weight management including family stressors, high cost, mental health issues, and chronic medical conditions, (3) previous attempts at weight loss including bariatric surgery, and (4) best practices for approaching weight management including discussion of weight management prior to survivorship.
Conclusion
There is a need for a multidisciplinary, patient-centered weight management program for minority breast cancer patients that improves awareness of the link between weight and breast cancer risk. Weight management should be introduced early on as an element of the treatment plan for breast cancer.
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Data Availability
Data generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Acknowledgements
We acknowledge the guidance of Dr. Laura Robbins regarding qualitative methodology and the support of the New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital multidisciplinary breast program.
Funding
Dr. Bea receives funding from the American Cancer Society and Pfizer. Dr. Newman receives funding from the Susan G. Komen and Fashion Footwear Association of New York Charitable Foundation.
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Genevieve Fasano, Josh Johnson, and Solange Bayard. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Genevieve Fasano and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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The questionnaire and methodology for this study were performed in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. The study was approved by the New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital Institutional Review Committee.
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Fasano, G.A., Bayard, S., Johnson, J. et al. Breast Cancer and Obesity: a Qualitative Analysis of a Diverse Population of Breast Cancer Patients’ Perspectives on Weight Management. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 11, 826–833 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-023-01564-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-023-01564-y