Mitigating Breast Cancer Disparities by Addressing the Obesity Epidemic

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Obese breast cancer patients have poorer outcomes compared to non-obese patients. The intent of this review is to discuss recent studies and analyses regarding the status of the obesity epidemic and its effect on breast cancer incidence and outcomes. Subsequently, we will introduce a program implemented at a New York City hospital to reduce the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer patients with obesity. Recent Findings: The prevalence of obesity among adult Americans is 42%, spanning all racial and socioeconomic groups. Importantly, obesity is associated with multiple chronic diseases including cancer. Among breast cancer patients, obesity is linked to higher mortality and poorer clinical outcomes, including but not limited to distant recurrence and secondary malignancies. Summary: Current treatment of breast cancer patients does not address the link between obesity and poorer prognosis. Here, we present a general strategy for reducing the morbidity and mortality of obese breast cancer patients by addressing the obesity epidemic.