Effect of Chemotherapy on the Nutritional Status of Egyptian Patients with Breast Cancer

Background: Chemotherapy and chemotherapy-related symptoms may greatly affect the nutritional status of the patient and reduces the quality of life. Aim of the study: Assessment of the effect of chemotherapy on the nutritional status of breast cancer patients. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we assessed the nutritional status of 60 breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy by anthropometric measurements including body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), triceps skin fold (TSF), and mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC). Symptoms related to chemotherapy wereassessed with a yes/no questionnaire. Results: Forty three patients (71%) experienced weight loss during the course of treatment. Compared to baseline assessment before starting chemotherapy, there was a significant reduction in the average of all parameters at the end of chemotherapy. Body weight decreased from 78.97 (±9.6) kg to 73.65 (±14.1) kg, BMI from 30.15 (±3.2) kg/m2 to 28.01 (±4.8) kg/m2, TSF from 4.23 (±0.5) cm to 3.97 (±0.68) cm and MAMC from 36.31 (4.02) cm to 34.61 (±5.04) cm (p 1 week (p < 0.001). Similarly, BMI reduction was significantly associated with loss of appetite and its duration (p < 0.001). Conclusion: During chemotherapy, breast cancer patients are prone to lose weight particularly, those patients who experience taste alteration and appetite-loss for longer duration