Dynapaenic Abdominal Obesity Is Associated With a Poorer Quality of Life in Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer Awaiting Surgery.

backgroundLower quality of life (QoL) in cancer can negatively influence survival and treatment course. We have investigated the co-occurrence of dynapaenia and overweight or obesity in a sample population of women diagnosed with breast cancer admitted for cancer surgical treatment and how those chronic conditions influence QoL.

methodsNinety-seven overweight or obese women admitted to hospital for scheduled lumpectomy or mastectomy were recruited. Correlative analyses of clinical, epidemiological, anthropometric, nutritional, and handgrip strength assessments were carried out. Dynapaenic abdominal obesity was defined as the coexistence of BMI ≥ 30 kg/m

resultsThe prevalence of dynapaenic abdominal obesity was associated with significantly lower QoL scores. Moreover, women with lower education, irregular physical activity, lower income and more severe obesity showed worsened QoL in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast and-General domains and respective subdomains and in the Trial Outcome Index.

conclusionsDynapaenic abdominal obesity was independently associated with poorer QoL in women with breast cancer awaiting surgery, even after adjustment for age, income, education and physical activity. Our findings raise the possibility that the coexistence of dynapaenic abdominal obesity with cancer may have an additive or synergistic detrimental effect on health outcomes. As QoL is associated with health outcomes in breast cancer, early clinical assessment of muscle strength, fat distribution, and nutritional status may help identify patients with greater vulnerability and support more comprehensive care strategies.