Changes in eating habits and food preferences in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy

Abstract

Change in eating habits in early breast cancer (EBC) patients during chemotherapy has been poorly studied in the literature. The primary aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate food preferences and weight change in EBC patients before and after adjuvant chemotherapy. From April 2014 to June 2018, 205 EBC patients underwent a dietary assessment according to the following timeline: baseline evaluation (one week before starting chemotherapy, T0); first follow-up (approximately 2–3 months after starting chemotherapy, T1); final follow-up (one week after chemotherapy end, T2). A statistically significant reduction of the following foods was reported after the start of chemotherapy: pasta or rice, bread, breadsticks/crackers, red meat, fat and lean salami, fresh and aged cheese, milk, yogurt, added sugar, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, and schnapps), and condiments (oil and butter). Conversely, fruit consumption consistently increased. As a result of these changes, a Healthy Eating Index (HEI) specifically developed for this study and suggestive of a balanced diet, significantly increased. Body weight did not increase, despite reduction in physical activity. This prospective study shows that EBC patients tend to adopt “healthier dietary patterns” during adjuvant chemotherapy, leading to a non-change in weight, despite reduction in physical activity.

Taste Alterations Do Not Affect Change in Food Habits and Body Weight in Breast Cancer Patients

“…The primary aim of the study was to evaluate eating habit changes during adjuvant chemotherapy and up to 12 months after its completion (16). The secondary aims were to assess TAs and weight changes during adjuvant chemotherapy and follow-up after the completion of adjuvant treatment.…”

“…This trial enrolled 205 EBC patients from April 2014 to June 2018 and the eligibility criteria, reported in detail elsewhere (16), were in briefly the following: histologically confirmed EBC; eligibility for adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy regardless of tumor biology and menopausal status; willingness to adhere to the study protocol.…”

“…Subsequently, they were administered every 3 months during the follow-up visits (P1 at 3 months, P2 at 6 months, P3 at 9 months and P4 at 12 months). Dietary habits, body-mass index (BMI) calculation and information about employment, physical activity and alcohol consumption were collected according to the methodology reported elsewhere (16).…”

Attention to diet, exercise, and weight in oncology care: Results of an American Society of Clinical Oncology national patient survey

“…Our study identified factors associated with the likelihood of attention to lifestyle factors as part of oncology care, including time since diagnosis, current treatment status, race and ethnicity, cancer type, and BMI. The finding that patients with breast cancer were more likely to receive advice regarding exercise and weight management likely reflects both the significant body of research supporting the role of these factors in breast cancer outcomes and patients with breast cancer's high level of interest in these topics 22,23,24 . The increased attention to diet, exercise, and weight during oncology visits in patients diagnosed with cancer more recently suggests that the development of guidelines providing recommendations for a healthy lifestyle after cancer diagnosis may have increased awareness of these topics in oncology providers and patients.…”

“…The finding that patients with breast cancer were more likely to receive advice regarding exercise and weight management likely reflects both the significant body of research supporting the role of these factors in breast cancer outcomes and patients with breast cancer's high level of interest in these topics. 22,23,24 The increased attention to diet, exercise, and weight during oncology visits in patients diagnosed with cancer more recently suggests that the development of guidelines providing recommendations for a healthy lifestyle after cancer diagnosis may have increased awareness of these topics in oncology providers and patients. Notably, despite the attention to diet, exercise, and weight as a part of their oncology care, more than 50% of survey respondents were overweight/had obesity and reported infrequent exercise and low rates of fruit and vegetable intake.…”