Evaluation of cancer patients’ perspectives on weight management counseling at a comprehensive cancer center.

Abstract

e18041 Background: Over 2/3 of Americans are Overweight (OW) or obese (OB). Being OW or OB is a risk factor for a variety of cancers & denotes a worse prognosis for some. Evidenced based strategies on management of OW & OB patients (pts) are lacking. Data shows the majority of physicians are OW & OB and confidence in obesity counseling in these individuals is less compared with normal weight (NW) counterparts. Here we report the results of a survey on cancer pt’s opinions weight management counseling. Methods: An HRPP exemption was obtained. Pts asked to complete a 20-question (Q) survey. Clinical info collected: age, race, cancer type, weight class (underweight, NW, OW, OB, unsure but likely overweight). Survey Qs asked about optimal timing, type of weight counseling preferences. Also, Qs regarding importance of their oncologists (ONCO) BMI assessed. Secondary Qs about pt risk factors for obesity, pt willingness, & pt preferred modalities to change dietary & exercise habits also assessed. Statistical analysis: One-way ANOVA used to compare mean responses. P-values reported α = 0.05. Results: 245 cancer pts completed the survey. Demographics: 53% white, 37% black, 8% multiracial, 1% American Indian, 1% Asian. Majority of pts 51-65 years old (55%) and female ( > 75%). 71% (175/245) of pts were OW or OB vs. 29% (70/245) of pts with normal weight. 78% (191/245) of pts had breast cancer vs. 22% (54/245) other cancers. Main results: The best time for an ONCO to address weight reduction with pts is? “Anytime” = 45% (111/245), “First visit” = 27% (65/245), “After primary treatment” = 27% (65/245), “Never” = 1% (2/245) (p < 0.01). The approach pts prefer ONCO use to counsel on weight reduction is? “Educational approach” = 26% (65/245), “Direct approach” = 24% (59/245), “Passive approach” = 8% (20/245), “Passive & educational” = 18% (44/245), “Direct & educational” = 18% (43/245), “Other approaches” = 5% (12/245), “No approach, I don’t want counseling” = 1% (2/245) (p < 0.01). Who would you listen to MOST about weight loss advice? “Normal weight ONCO” = 41% (101/245), “The BMI of my ONCO does not matter” = 53% (131/245), “OB or OW” 5% (13/245) (p < 0.01). Results of secondary Qs included in presentation. Conclusions: Almost all pts would like to discuss weight loss with their oncologist on the first visit or after primary treatment has been completed. Also, most pts would like to receive counseling by their oncologist regardless of their oncologist’s weight. Furthermore, pts seem to prefer education about why weight loss is important be included in their weight loss counseling.