Cancer patients should focus on rebuilding muscle strength rather than adding body fat once treatment ends, doctors said, noting that the right approach to weight management differs depending on the stage of treatment.
Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital recently held an integrated health management symposium for cancer patients, drawing about 70 participants including patients and their caregivers, according to medical sources on the 23rd. Doctors at the event explained how obesity affects the onset of breast, colorectal and gynecologic cancers as well as patients' health after treatment.
Obesity is not simply a matter of gaining weight. Hormonal changes in fat tissue, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation are linked to a higher risk of endometrial cancer. Metabolic changes that accompany a buildup of visceral abdominal fat also raise the risk of colorectal cancer. Breast cancer patients may gain weight because of reduced physical activity during treatment, medication and early menopause.
Even so, recommending weight loss to patients still undergoing treatment is not advisable. "Patients who have lost weight immediately after surgery or during chemotherapy should not be given blanket advice to lose weight," said Kim Kwang-yong, a professor of surgery at the hospital. "Diet and activity levels need to be adjusted to each patient's condition." Taking in enough nutrition and preventing muscle loss come first at this stage, he said.
After treatment, the focus shifts. Ahn Soo-kyung, a professor of surgery, said breast cancer patients need to steadily manage their weight and metabolic health after treatment but should also watch out for being underweight. That is why patients should look at body fat and muscle mass together rather than only at the number on the scale. Choi Min-kyu, a professor of family medicine, also advised a tailored approach that uses body composition tests to track changes in muscle mass while combining aerobic and strength exercise with nutritional management.
The hospital runs an integrated health management program for cancer patients that links its cancer departments with family medicine to offer nutrition and exercise counseling. The program monitors not only the course of cancer treatment but also obesity, metabolic disease and physical function.
"It is important to provide continuous care so that patients can go on living healthy lives after cancer treatment ends," said Park Sung-taek, deputy director of medical affairs. "Multiple departments will work closely together to help patients maintain a healthy daily life."