The Importance of Weight Control for Cardiovascular Health in Breast Cancer Patients
A research team led by Professor Dongwook Shin from the Department of Family Medicine at Samsung Medical Center, Professor Kyungdo Han from the Department of Statistics at Soongsil University, and Dr. Wonyoung Jung from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure in relation to weight changes before and after a breast cancer diagnosis. Their findings were published in international academic journals, including JAMA Oncology.
The report has shown that consistent weight management plays a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health in breast cancer patients. A considerable number of breast cancer patients are known to experience weight gain, which can be attributed to factors such as antihormonal treatments, including tamoxifen, and a reduction in physical activity. Research has demonstrated that a 10% increase in body weight correlates with a 66% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and an 85% increased risk of heart failure, whereas weight loss is linked to a reduction in these risks. Obesity and weight gain had a particularly significant impact on younger breast cancer patients, especially those under the age of 50.
According to the research team, 'Breast cancer is frequently diagnosed in women in their 40s and 50s, and significant weight gain often occurs as patients experience postmenopausal changes after undergoing chemotherapy and hormone therapy.' The team emphasized, 'Maintaining an appropriate weight through diet control and moderate to intense exercise is important.’