How does weight gain or loss after breast cancer diagnosis affect survival from breast cancer?
Although obesity at the time of diagnosis has been associated with decreased survival, it is undecided if weight gain after diagnosis affects survival from breast cancer. Weight gain is common in breast cancer patients after diagnosis. It has been reported to occur in from 50 to 96 percent of all early stage breast cancer patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy (treatment which uses cell poisons). Weight gain may also occur in patients being treated for more advanced breast cancer. It is unclear if women who are receiving hormonal chemotherapy (treatment which uses anti-hormones, such as tamoxifen) also experience weight gain. The effect of weight gain on survival among women receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy is uncertain. Two studies have not found any association between weight gain and an increased risk of the recurrence of tumors, but two other studies have reported an association of weight gain with an increased risk of tumor recurrence. Weight gain has other effects, as well. Se
