Weight at diagnosis and weight gain post diagnosis for
breast cancer survivors are associated with increased risk of breast cancer
recurrence and death.
Rural women have
significantly higher obesity rates, and have less access to survivorship care
and weight control programs. We discussed this with Susan G. Komen
Kansas
grantee Christie A. Befort, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University
of Kansas School of Medicine, who is part of a team researching the role of weight
control intervention as a key strategy for prevention of breast cancer
recurrence in rural populations. The study examines the impact of a group-based
weight control intervention delivered through conference call technology to
obese breast cancer survivors living in remote rural locations.
The 18 month program begins with a six month weight loss
phase.
The intervention includes a
reduced calorie diet incorporating prepackaged entrees and shakes, physical
activity gradually increased to 225 min/week of moderate intensity exercise,
and weekly group phone sessions.
This is
followed by a one-year maintenance phase with either group phone sessions every
other week or a newsletter with the material discussed in the phone sessions.
“It is much harder to maintain weight loss,” Befort
states. “The program gives continued
support that allows participants to ask questions not only about nutrition and
exercise, but talk about other survivorship issues. We're going to help them with sustaining a
lifestyle change," Befort adds. "We've all been impressed by the
women. It makes the work fun and exciting and worthwhile." ”
The intervention has produced >10% weight loss as well as
significant improvements for quality of life including mood, body image, and
sexuality. But the research project has
produced a lot more than data: participants not only lost weight but also
camaraderie has flourished among the women who became acquainted during
conference-call sessions. Where do we go from here? The last research group has enrolled in the
Hays/Salina area with about 30 women through 2015.
“The idea is to produce a program that not only works, but
is cost effective for sustainability.” adds Befort. “We are currently research funded, but hope
to see policy change that will move preventative programs like this to be paid
by health insurance.”
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