Influence of a Multidisciplinary Program of Diet, Exercise, and Mindfulness on the Quality of Life of Stage IIA-IIB Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Background: Integrative oncology has proven to be a useful approach to control cancer symptoms and improve the quality of life (QoL) and overall health of patients, delivering integrated patient care at both physical and emotional levels. The objective of this randomized trial was to evaluate the effects of a triple intervention program on the QoL and lifestyle of women with breast cancer. Methods: Seventy-five survivors of stage IIA-IIB breast cancer were randomized into 2 groups. The intervention group (IG) received a 6-month dietary, exercise, and mindfulness program that was not offered to the control group (CG). Data were gathered at baseline and at 6 months postintervention on QoL and adherence to Mediterranean diet using clinical markers and validated questionnaires. Between-group differences at baseline and 3 months postintervention were analyzed using Student’s t test for related samples and the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: At 6 months postintervention, the IG showed significant improvements versus CG in physical functioning ( p = .027), role functioning ( p = .028), and Mediterranean diet adherence ( p = .02) and a significant reduction in body mass index ( p = .04) and weight ( p = .05), with a mean weight loss of 0.7 kg versus a gain of 0.55 kg by the CG ( p = .05). Dyspnea symptoms were also increased in the CG versus IG ( p = .066). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that an integrative dietary, physical activity, and mindfulness program enhances the QoL and healthy lifestyle of stage IIA-IIB breast cancer survivors. Cancer symptoms may be better managed by the implementation of multimodal rather than isolated interventions.

Psychoeducation for breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…It also included giving practical advice on emotional, social, practical, and/or physical issues raised. Individual; Face to face; Helper-assisted Anxiety: HADS; Depression: HADS QOL: EORT QLQL C-30 Usual care 26 Routine follow up visit with healthcare professionals 19 Ruiz-Vozmediano et al., 2020 [ 58 ] BC survivors Clinic; ES (HIC) Multidisciplinary program 31 24 weeks Program on dietary habits, physical activity, and mindfulness received program on dietary, habits, physical activity, and mindfulness. Group; Face to face; Helper-assisted Adherence: Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS); QOL: QLQ-C-30; Wait-list control 32 20 Schou Bredal et al., 2014 [ 59 ] BC patients Clinic: NO (HIC) Psychoeducation group 185 5 weeks (5 sessions) 3 weeks (3 sessions) Psychoeducational group that consist of: health education, stress management, enhancement of problem-solving skills, and psychological support.…”

“…This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis that examined the effects of psychoeducation on adherence to medical recommendations from the first discovery of symptoms to the survivorship phase in BC patients. We found only three studies that included adherence to medical procedures as an outcome [ 14 , 19 , 58 ], which may explain the lack of finding a positive effect. A recent meta-analysis in patients with end-stage renal disease [ 65 ] and patients with coronary heart disease [ 66 ] indicated that psychoeducation has the potential to be utilised for enhancing adherence to medical treatment.…”

The Impact of AC and AC-T Chemotherapy’s Toxicities on Quality of Life Among Women with Breast Cancer in Ethiopia: A Prospective Patient-Reported Outcomes Study

“…A holistic approach like combined diet, physical exercise, and psychosocial intervention during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer led to positive changes in a range of psychological, physiological, and behavioral outcomes at the end of the intervention, 61 , 69 , 80 that ultimately improve the overall quality of life of women on breast cancer chemotherapy. 81 , 82 …”

The Role of Diet in Prognosis among Cancer Survivors: A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dietary Patterns and Diet Interventions

“…However, a large study in overweight or obese patients reported no effect on 141 quality of life after a long 24-month nutritional weight loss program [60]. Inconsistent 142 results were found between two small trials on breast cancer survivors investigating 143 fatigue, which is one of the most researched aspects of quality of life among cancer 144 survivors; one was a pilot study, randomized and controlled, that reported improvement 145 on fatigue after a 3-month diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and foods rich in 146 omega-3 fatty acids [56], and the other did not see changes in fatigue after a 6-month 147 intervention based on dietary counselling and physical activity sessions [64]. Key 148 differences in the design of the studies may partly explain inconsistencies in results when 149 examining the same outcome in the same type of cancer.…”

“…compared to the15 participants from the control group. In contrast, in a RCT with72 42 cases (36 in each study group) there was no significant change in global health and 43 fatigue with a 6-month intervention including dietary counselling and physical activity 44 sessions, although only half of the participants in the intervention group completed at 45 least 75% of the programme sessions[64].46 Preprints (www.…”