Nutrition Guidelines for Cancer Survivors - How do Breast Cancer Survivors Implement the Guidelines?

The number of cancer survivors, especially those that are recovered, including survivors who are disease free or who have stable disease is growing steadily and is estimated at 3.5 million in Germany in 2005/2006 [1]. Evidence based nutrition and physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors from the American Cancer Society (ACS) target on cancer risk reduction or on improving outcomes in cancer survivors [2]. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, although little information about nutrition and physical activity of breast cancer survivors in Germany is available. The present cross-sectional study analyses the health status and quality of life, the nutritional status, physical activity and food frequency of breast cancer survivors by surveying self-help groups, gynaecological practices and private persons in different federal states. 236 standardized questionnaires were evaluated. 75% of participants were diagnosed more than 4 years prior to the study. 59% of participants were more than 60 years old. 78% of participants had not experienced a relapse/local recurrence. State of health and physical condition after the completion of treatment were mostly rated as good, quality of life was mostly rated even as very good. 58.5% of respondents stated to having had difficulties being physically active in daily life. Among the women aged 60-69 years, 34.0% were of normal weight, 49.0% were overweight and 16.3% obese. Among all participants 35.6% were of normal weight, 45.3% were overweight and 17.8% obese. 49.6% of women had experienced a mean weight gain after the end of treatment of 8.6 +/- 6.1 kg. 44.9% of participants reported weekly sporting activities of 0.5-2 hours. Fruit and vegetables were consumed daily or nearly daily, whole grain products several times per week. 72.5% of participants had not been offered nutritional advice. Nutrition guidelines for cancer survivors have not been met by the majority of breast cancer survivors who are disease free or who have stable disease. There is a high demand for life style interventions.