Poster Presentation Cancer Survivorship 2019

Evaluation of a hospital-based weight management program for overweight and obese cancer survivors.   (#236)

Jane D Turner 1 2 , Sim Yee (Cindy) Tan 3 , Ashanya Malalasekera 2 4 , Haryana Dhillon 1 , Janette Vardy 1 2 4
  1. Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  2. Concord Cancer Centre, Sydney Local Health District, Concord, NSW, Australia
  3. Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Concord Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
  4. Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Background: Obesity, high amounts of adipose tissue and lack of physical activity are linked with cancer incidence. For cancer survivors, these factors contribute to poorer disease and health-related outcomes. We aimed to determine the feasibility of implementing an outpatient weight management program for overweight/obese cancer survivors.

Method: Overweight/obese (BMI ≥25kg/m2) adults who had completed treatment for localised cancer and ENRICH (6-week lifestyle program) were eligible. Intervention: i) three clinic consultations; ii) supervised exercise sessions (2x/week); and, iii) 12 dietary sessions over 6 months. Assessments: baseline, 3, 6 (post-intervention) months. Primary outcome was adherence. Secondary outcomes: body composition, exercise levels, food intake, Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs), biomarkers(fasting glucose, IGF-1, cholesterol, C-reactive protein) and qualitative interview.

Results: Seventeen of twenty-four (80%) eligible women were recruited, median age 53 (42-74) years. Tumour groups: breast 76%, colorectal 18%, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (6%). At baseline: 4 participants were overweight (BMI ≥ 25-29.9kg/m2), 13 obese (≥30kg/m2); 14 had 1+ comorbidity. Participants attended 97% of clinics, 71% of exercise and 81% of dietary sessions. Post-intervention, mean weight loss was 3.7kg (range +0.1 to -19.6kg) and 3.6% reduction of initial body weight. Waist circumference reduced by 3.4cm (-13.2 to 4.8cm) and total body fat mass reduced by 2%, with lean body mass 2% increase. Improvements in 6-minute walk test (mean +71m) and 1-repetition maximal leg press (mean +33kg) were seen. Post-intervention diet quality, PROs and biomarkers will be available at time of reporting. Participant’s identified support from program staff and co-participants, and program tailored to their needs as facilitators of adherence.

Conclusion: This study confirms overweight and obese cancer survivors are able to attend an intensive weight management program. The program enabled positive changes in weight, body composition, fitness and diet quality. Structured programs to support weight management in survivors are important in improving overall health.