Nutritional Profile and Physical Activity in Women with Breast Cancer Attended by the Unified Health System in South Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional status and physical activity are modifiable factors for risk and prognostic of breast cancer. Knowing these parameters in different locations is important because it allows setting priorities and allocating resources toward a positive change. Objective: To evaluate for the first time the nutritional status and physical activity level in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer in a reference center in Pelotas (RS/Brazil). Method: Cross-sectional study. Were evaluated patients above 20 years old, treated by the Unified Health System, between June and November 2012 using the body mass index, waist circumference, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, body weight variation and questions about previous nutritional counseling. Results: Among the 72 women evaluated, 70% presented excess of body weight and 87.5% had high waist circumference, with an average of 92.1±14.7 cm (95% CI: 88.6; 95.6). Physical inactivity was associated with weight gain (p=0.03) and was prevalent in 94.4% of the subjects. Approximately 65% of women undergoing adjuvant treatment increased weight, with a significant difference when compared to other types of treatment (p=0.03). Only four women reported having received previous nutritional counseling. Conclusion: The majority of the evaluated women presented overweight, sedentary habits, abdominal obesity and absent of nutritional counseling at the beginning of treatment. These results contribute to the growing clinical evidence that nutritional interventions and counseling on physical activity for women with breast cancer treated in the Unified Health System are urgently needed. Studies at other reference centers are recommended.