Weight changes and associated factors among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at a referral hospital in Kenya

Background: Breast cancer patients experience weight changes during treatment, which adversely affect prognosis. However, cancer treatment in Kenya mainly focuses on tumor eradication with limited attention on weight management interventions. Objectives: To determine weight changes and associated factors among breast cancer patients receiving the first three cycles of chemotherapy at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: A prospective cohort design was adopted. One hundred and forty two female participants aged 18-70 years diagnosed with stage 1, 2 and 3 breast cancers were followed up for three months during treatment. Data was collected after every visit using a structured questionnaire, individual dietary diversity tool and anthropometric assessments. Clinical data was extracted from participant’s medical records. Frequencies, proportions, measures of central tendency and chi square tests were utilized in analysis. Results: The majority of patients (59.2%) had stage 2 breast cancers. The prevalent type of cancer was ductal carcinoma (97.9%). Most of the patients were on adjuvant chemotherapy (66.9%). The mean weight (SD) was 66.6(13.6) kg, 65.9(13.4) kg and 66.1(13.2) kg at first, second and third cycles respectively. Overall (between the first and thirst cycle), the mean weight change (SD) was 0.4(1.6) kg. Majority (48.4%) gained weight and among them, 24.2% gained 2kg and 18.3% gained 1kg. Amidst the patients who lost weight, 19.2% and 11.7% lost 1kg and 2 kgs respectively. Weight gain was significantly (p<0.05) associated with being married and Body Mass Index (BMI) at baseline. On the other hand, weight loss was significantly (p<0.05) associated with diarrhea. .e will be a separate f Reproductive Age and Children unwill be usedg itessues where investibgators have minimal knowlConclusion: Weight changes were observed among the patients with majority of them experiencing weight gain than weight loss hence a need for early initiation of weight management interventions after diagnosis of breast cancer. Key words: Breast cancer, weight gain, chemotherap