Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y peso corporal en mujeres supervivientes al cáncer de mama

Abstract

ObjectiveHealth-related quality of life (HRQL) is the perception of wellbeing in different dimensions. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body weight and the mental and physical domains of HRQL in women with breast cancer. MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in 277 women with breast cancer followed up by the Breast Cancer Unit of the Central University Hospital of Asturias. All participants completed the SF-12 questionnaire. Body mass index was measured using standardised methods. The mental and physical domains of the SF-12 were standardised to the Spanish general population (average 50 points, standard deviation 10). The association between the physical and mental components of HRQL and body weight was analysed using linear regressions adjusted to the main confounders. ResultsA total of 32.5% of the patients were overweight and 10.1% were obese. The average score was 46.6 (95% confidence interval 45.7-47.7) on the physical domain and 33.3 (95% confidence interval 45.5-47.7) on the mental domain. Excess weight showed a statistically significant association with a lower score in the physical domain. ConclusionsIn comparison with HRQL in the general Spanish population, HRQL in women with breast cancer was lower in both the physical and mental domains. Obesity was associated with lower physical scores. Consequently, control of body weight is recommended.