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image of Dietary Adherence and Nutritional Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients: A Longitudinal Assessment at MINAR Cancer Hospital

Abstract

Introduction

Oncology treatments affect blood health; this study highlights nutrition’s role in reducing side effects and enhancing well-being. This study assesses chemotherapy’s impact on nutrition, quality of life, and the benefits of dietary adherence in breast cancer.

Methods

This longitudinal hospital study spanned two chemotherapy cycles with triweekly follow-ups. A total of 61 female breast cancer patients aged 24-71 years undergoing treatment with either Doxorubicin-Cyclophosphamide or Paclitaxel were enrolled. Anthropometric assessments (including weight, height, and BMI), clinical evaluations, laboratory tests (such as hemoglobin and PDW), and dietary assessments were recorded at both baseline and follow-up. BMI, Ideal Body Weight (IBW), and Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) were calculated. A dietary intervention chart was developed and offered to all participants; 20 patients adhered to the plan. Paired Student's t-tests were used for pre-post comparisons, with significance set at <0.05.

Results

The cohort included patients at Stage 1 (1.6%), Stage 2 (21.3%), Stage 3 (26.2%), Stage 4 (14.7%), and undefined stage (36%). Mean BMI was 27.62 ± 5.51, IBW was 47.78 ± 5.59 kg, and TEE was 1484.9 ± 198.74 kcal.

Discussion

Standard chemotherapy side effects included diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, anorexia, and cachexia. Among the 20 patients who adhered to the dietary plan, hemoglobin levels increased significantly from a baseline mean of 10.5 g/dL to 11.4 g/dL at follow-up ( = 0.01), and PDW improved significantly ( = 0.04). Adherent patients reported fewer gastrointestinal and systemic side effects than non-adherent patients.

Conclusion

Following a balanced, nutrient-rich diet during chemotherapy reduces side effects, improves blood parameters, and enhances breast cancer patients' quality of life.

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2026-01-16
2026-01-31

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Dietary Adherence and Nutritional Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients: A Longitudinal Assessment at MINAR Cancer Hospital
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0115733947385984251111060620
/content/journals/cctr/10.2174/0115733947385984251111060620
/content/journals/cctr/10.2174/0115733947385984251111060620
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: treatment side effects ; healthy diet ; nutrition ; Breast cancer ; chemotherapy ; blood paameters

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