Nutritional status of women with non-metastatic malignant breast cancer: a cross-sectional study

Keywords

nutritional status - breast cancer - food - diet food and nutrition

Introduction: The nutritional status of breast cancer patients might be negatively affects by the therapeutic process due to side effects such as mucositis, nausea, and vomiting, which occur together as a cluster of gastrointestinal symptoms, along with anorexia, all of which are determinants of patients' dietary habits and consequently impact on their nutritional status.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status of women with non-metastatic malignant breast cancer and to identify factors associated with it.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a High Complexity Oncology Assistance Center in the Southeast region of Brazil, with the aim of assessing the nutritional status of women undergoing treatment for stage I, II, or III breast cancer. Patients in palliative care or undergoing reconstructive surgery were excluded. Data collection took place between June 2022 and March 2023 and included questionnaires, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and anthropometric assessments. Nutritional status was assessed using measures such as BMI and skinfold thickness, while nutritional risk was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002) tool.

Results: Significant associations were found between nutritional risk and educational level (p = 0.03) and BMI (p = 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between educational level and nutritional risk, indicating that lower educational level was associated with higher odds of nutritional risk (OR=4.59; 95% CI=1.01-21.04; p = 0.049). In addition, regarding BMI, it was observed that a BMI above 20.5 kg/m2 was associated with a higher likelihood of nutritional risk (OR=0.09; 95% CI=0.01-0.89; p = 0.039).

Conclusions: It is crucial to consider the nutritional status of breast cancer patients, alongside clinical factors, to offer comprehensive and personalized care. Gaining in-sight into the socio-demographic variables linked to nutritional risk can significantly contribute to our understanding of breast cancer. This knowledge, in turn, can aid in identifying effective strategies for public policy, health promotion, and prevention efforts aimed at tackling this condition.

Corresponding author: Luís Carlos Lopes-Júnior (e-mail: [e-mail]).

 

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No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
06 May 2025