Quality of Life in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer after a 12-Month Treatment of Lifestyle Modifications

Abstract

Healthy lifestyles are associated with better health-related quality of life (HRQoL), favorable prognosis and lower mortality in breast cancer (BC) survivors. We investigated changes in HRQoL after a 12-month lifestyle modification program in 227 BC survivors participating in DEDiCa trial (Mediterranean diet, exercise, vitamin D). HRQoL was evaluated through validated questionnaires: EQ-5D-3L, EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23. Baseline changes were tested using analysis of variance. Multiple regression analyses were performed to assess treatment effects on HRQoL. Increases were observed in global health status (p < 0.001), physical (p = 0.003), role (p = 0.002) and social functioning (p < 0.001), body image (p < 0.001), future perspective (p < 0.001), well-being (p = 0.001), and reductions in fatigue (p < 0.001), nausea and vomiting (p = 0.015), dyspnea (p = 0.001), constipation (p = 0.049), financial problems (p = 0.012), sexual functioning (p = 0.025), systematic therapy side effects (p < 0.001) and breast symptoms (p = 0.004). Multiple regression analyses found inverse associations between changes in BMI and global health status (p = 0.048) and between serum 25(OH)D levels and breast symptoms (p = 0.002). A healthy lifestyle treatment of traditional Mediterranean diet and exercise may impact positively on HRQoL in BC survivors possibly through reductions in body weight while vitamin D sufficiency may improve BC-related symptoms. These findings are relevant to BC survivors whose lower HRQoL negatively affects treatment compliance and disease outcomes.

Application of Clinical Decision Support System to Assist Breast Cancer Patients with Lifestyle Modifications during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomised Controlled Trial

“…It is well confirmed that cancer patients report declined functional capacity, increased pain and generally reduced quality of life, which may deteriorate treatment efficacy and lead to poor disease prognosis [ 57 ]. Dietary and lifestyle modification have been reported to ameliorate quality of life aspects in BC patients [ 57 ].…”

“…It is well confirmed that cancer patients report declined functional capacity, increased pain and generally reduced quality of life, which may deteriorate treatment efficacy and lead to poor disease prognosis [ 57 ]. Dietary and lifestyle modification have been reported to ameliorate quality of life aspects in BC patients [ 57 ]. Likewise in our study, patients following MD for 3 months reported significant improvements in global health/quality of life, role functioning, emotional functioning, depression and anxiety, as well as trends of improvement in cognitive functioning, pain, insomnia, constipation and systemic therapy side effects.…”

A multidisciplinary approach remains the best strategy to improve and strengthen the management of ovarian cancer (Review)

“…In fact, several studies have demonstrated that nutrition represents an important protective factor against the development of tumors ( 150 ) but also represents an effective therapeutic intervention for patients with cancer ( 151 , 152 ). In this context, several studies have demonstrated that dietary and lifestyle interventions during cancer treatments can ameliorate the adherence to treatment as well as patient quality of life and prognosis [hazard ratio (HR) for physical activity, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39-0.92; P=0.02; HR for highest vs. lowest tertile of quality diet, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.97; P=0.03] ( 153 - 156 ). These data, together with the clinical features of patients allow clinicians to determine the best therapeutic approach as well as to predict the prognosis and outcomes of patients ( 157 ).…”

Women's health and night shift work: Potential targets for future strategies in breast cancer (Review)

“…The occupational physician can also implement health promotion programs targeting the primary individual risk factors, promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours, for example supporting the introduction of a Mediterranean diet, that has been shown to be associated with a lower risk of BC incidence in women ( 94 , 95 ). The typical Mediterranean diet nutrients have shown a positive influence on the expression of inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress, DNA damage and genetic modifications, all aspects that can affect BC outcomes ( 96 , 97 ).…”

“…The typical Mediterranean diet nutrients have shown a positive influence on the expression of inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress, DNA damage and genetic modifications, all aspects that can affect BC outcomes ( 96 , 97 ). Moreover, lifestyle modifications can positively impact BC survival, whose lower health-related quality of life negatively affects treatment compliance and disease outcomes ( 98 ).…”