Assessment of Lifestyle Among Women with Breast Cancer

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Journal of MedVerse Research & Practice

nurexus.com

Dr. Harshika

, Dr. Sweetline

Postgraduate, Professor

Department of Oncology, Rajeshwari Medical College Hospital, Bangalore

Email: harshiikaram@gmail.com

Submission Date: 16.02.2025

Accepted Date: 16.03.2025

Published Date: 31.03.2025

article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits

unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer continues to pose a significant global health concern, impacting millions of women

worldwide. Despite progress in early detection and treatment strategies improving survival rates, the disease

profoundly affects various lifestyle aspects and overall well-being.

Methodology: This study utilized a descriptive research design with an evaluative approach. A convenience sample

of 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer was recruited from a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore. Data were

collected through a structured questionnaire assessing five key lifestyle dimensions: physical, role, emotional,

cognitive, and social functioning, categorized into low, moderate, and high levels. Participants received clear

instructions on completing the questionnaire, provided informed consent, and were assured anonymity. Participation

was entirely voluntary, with the freedom to withdraw at any stage.

Results: The study revealed that sleep disturbances were prevalent among most participants. Additionally, significant

proportions of women reported concerns related to body weight gain (70%), social and community engagement

(70%), sexual health issues (60%), psychological distress (60%), dietary habits (56%), physical activity (50%), and

smoking (45%). Moreover, 43% of participants had a history of using birth control pills and hormone replacement

therapy.

Conclusion: The findings underscore diverse lifestyle-related challenges, spanning physical, emotional, and social

domains. Addressing these concerns through targeted interventions is essential to enhancing their overall quality of

life.

Keywords: Lifestyle assessment, breast cancer, women, health impact

Introduction

Breast cancer accounts for approximately 12.5% of all new cancer cases annually. Despite advances in

medical technology that have enhanced survival rates, breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of

cancer-related mortality, especially in areas with limited access to early detection and treatment options [1].

The disease’s complexity arises from its multifactorial causes and potential for recurrence, necessitating

ongoing research and prevention strategies.

A genetic predisposition significantly influences breast cancer risk, with affected individuals facing nearly

twice the likelihood of developing it. Approximately 15% of breast cancer cases are linked to hereditary

factors, emphasizing the importance of family history in assessing risk [2]. However, while genetics play a

crucial role, environmental and lifestyle factors are also critical in disease onset and progression.

Emerging research indicates that breast cancer risk can be mitigated through lifestyle modification.

Organizations such as the World Cancer Research Fund advocate for adopting a healthy lifestyle to

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minimize recurrence rates and improve overall health among breast cancer survivors. Their key

recommendations include engaging in consistent physical activity, following a diet high in fibre and low in

saturated fats, and maintaining a healthy body weight [3].

Obesity, particularly among postmenopausal women, is strongly associated with increased breast cancer

risk due to excess fat tissue, which may promote hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer growth.

Additionally, obesity contributes to higher insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, both recognized as

contributing factors to cancer development. Research indicates that women with elevated insulin levels,

often seen in overweight individuals, are more likely to develop various cancers, including breast cancer

[4].

Beyond obesity, lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor dietary habits, including the consumption of

processed and high-fat foods, have been linked to disease progression. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits,

vegetables, and whole grains provides protective benefits by delivering essential antioxidants and reducing

inflammation [5].

Physical activity reduces breast cancer risk by boosting immune function, regulating hormones, and

reducing inflammation, while a sedentary lifestyle increases the likelihood of developing cancer. Studies

show that women who exercise regularly have a lower incidence of breast cancer. Additionally, the use of

hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and certain contraceptives can raise breast cancer risk, as prolonged

exposure to synthetic hormones may promote the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells.

Therefore, healthcare providers stress the careful evaluation of HRT and contraceptive use, especially for

women at higher risk [6,7].

Psychological well-being is another critical factor in breast cancer prevention and management. Chronic

stress and emotional distress have been linked to weakened immune function, potentially influencing

cancer progression. Women undergoing breast cancer treatment often face significant psychological

challenges that affect their quality of life. Implementing stress management strategies, seeking

psychological counselling, and fostering strong social support networks are essential for enhancing the

well-being of breast cancer patients [8].

Given the intricate relationship between preventive strategies and healthy behaviors, they are vital to

reducing the disease burden. Lifestyle modifications including maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a

nutrient-dense diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol

consumption, and managing stress can collectively improve health outcomes for individuals at risk of or

diagnosed with breast cancer [9].

This study aims to evaluate the influence of lifestyle factors on women diagnosed with breast cancer. By

examining how various lifestyle choices affect breast cancer risk and survivorship, this research seeks to

provide valuable insights into preventive measures and interventions that can improve outcomes for

affected individuals.

Materials & Methods

This descriptive study involved 100 women with breast cancer, selected through convenience sampling

from the Oncology Department at Rajeshwari Medical College, Bangalore, between December 2023 and

June 2024. A structured questionnaire assessed nine lifestyle factors, including physical activity, diet, sleep,

smoking, social participation, sexual health, weight changes, use of birth control and hormone therapy, and

stress, categorized into low, moderate, and high levels. Participants provided informed consent, were

assured confidentiality, and had the right to withdraw at any time. The questionnaire's content was

validated by ten experts, and its reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92. Descriptive

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statistics, such as frequency and percentage distributions, were used for data analysis.

Results

The results of this study provide insight into the demographic characteristics of women diagnosed with

breast cancer. A considerable percentage of participants were within the age range of 50–59 years (32%),

while 36% had attained a high school education. Additionally, more than half (55%) were employed in

government sectors. The majority of the participants (68%) lived in urban areas, and 65% were categorized

as having a low socioeconomic status.

Table 1: Sociodemographic Characteristics of Participants

Beyond sociodemographic characteristics, the study also explored various lifestyle factors. Findings

indicated that a substantial proportion of women experienced sleep disturbances, weight gain (70%),

decreased social and community involvement (70%), sexual health concerns (60%), elevated stress levels

(60%), dietary issues (56%), insufficient physical activity (50%), and smoking habits (45%). Furthermore,

43% of participants reported the use of birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

Table 2: Lifestyle Assessment of Women with Breast Cancer

Lifestyle Domains

Low (%)

Moderate (%)

High (%)

Physical Activity

50 (50%)

30 (30%)

20 (20%)

Diet

56 (56%)

24 (24%)

20 (20%)

Sleep

90 (90%)

10 (10%)

0 (0%)

Smoking

20 (20%)

35 (35%)

45 (45%)

Social &

Community Activity

70 (70%)

25 (25%)

5 (5%)

Sexual Health

60 (60%)

20 (20%)

Body Weight Gain

75 (75%)

25 (25%)

0 (0%)

Birth Control &

HRT

52 (52%)

5 (5%)

43 (43%)

Stress

15 (15%)

25 (25%)

60 (60%)

The analysis of lifestyle domains among women diagnosed with breast cancer revealed that a majority

exhibited unhealthy lifestyle patterns that may adversely influence disease progression and recovery. Half

of the participants had low physical activity levels and 56% followed poor dietary habits, while an alarming

90% reported inadequate sleep quality. Smoking prevalence was high in 45% of cases, and 70% showed

low engagement in social and community activities, reflecting social isolation and emotional strain.

Additionally, 60% reported poor sexual health, and 75% experienced excess body weight gain, which is a

known risk factor for cancer recurrence. A considerable proportion (43%) had a high-risk history of

hormonal exposure through birth control or hormone replacement therapy. Most strikingly, 60% of the

women experienced high stress levels, indicating significant psychological distress associated with cancer

diagnosis and treatment. Overall, these findings highlight the predominance of sedentary lifestyle, poor

nutrition, obesity, stress, and inadequate psychosocial support among breast cancer patients, emphasizing

Characteristic

Percentage

(%)

Age (Years)

<30

4.0

30–39

13.0

40–49

30.0

50–59

32.0

60–69

13.0

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the urgent need for comprehensive lifestyle interventions focusing on physical activity, balanced diet,

weight management, stress reduction, and emotional well-being to improve treatment outcomes and

enhance quality of life.

Discussion

The present study demonstrates that the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer were middle-aged

or older, possessed moderate levels of education, were employed, and predominantly resided in urban areas

while experiencing financial constraints. These demographic patterns are consistent with findings reported

in earlier studies, which emphasize the influence of sociodemographic factors on breast cancer prevalence

and outcomes. For instance, Dalton et al. reported a mean age of 62.8 ± 8.0 years among breast cancer

patients, with most participants having at least 12 years of education and living in urban settings (7).

Similarly, a cross-sectional study involving 520 women found that nearly half of the participants were aged

35–40 years, over half had completed tertiary education, and a significant proportion belonged to lower

socioeconomic strata (8). In contrast, a retrospective analysis of 1,196 patients showed a younger age

distribution, with 31.5% aged between 26 and 35 years and a predominance of women with school-level

education who were unemployed or homemakers (9). Furthermore, Ali et al. identified the highest

prevalence of breast cancer among women aged 55–59 years, reinforcing age as a critical determinant in

disease occurrence (6). Collectively, these findings support the established association between breast

cancer and sociodemographic variables such as age, education, employment status, and socioeconomic

conditions.

In addition to demographic characteristics, this study highlights several lifestyle-related challenges faced by

women with breast cancer. Sleep disturbances emerged as the most frequently reported problem, followed

by weight gain and reduced social interaction, both affecting approximately 70% of participants. Concerns

related to sexual health and psychological stress were reported by 60% of women, while dietary difficulties

and insufficient physical activity were noted in more than half of the study population. A substantial

proportion of participants also reported smoking, further compounding health risks. These findings

underscore the multifaceted impact of breast cancer on physical, psychological, and social well-being.

The observed lifestyle challenges align closely with existing literature that identifies modifiable behavioral

factors—such as diet, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, hormonal therapy, and reproductive history—

as significant contributors to breast cancer risk, disease progression, and survivorship outcomes. Studies

conducted in the Middle East and other regions have consistently demonstrated that unhealthy dietary

habits, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity are associated with increased breast cancer incidence and mortality

(8,9). Global health authorities, including the World Cancer Research Fund, strongly advocate for lifestyle

modifications to reduce recurrence risk and improve quality of life among breast cancer survivors. These

recommendations emphasize maintaining a healthy body weight, consuming a diet rich in fiber and low in

saturated fats, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use.

Overall, the findings of this study reinforce the critical role of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in

shaping breast cancer experiences and outcomes. Addressing these factors through targeted public health

interventions, patient education, and supportive care strategies may contribute significantly to improving

disease management, enhancing quality of life, and reducing long-term morbidity among women with

breast cancer.

Conclusion

The results of this study clearly illustrate that breast cancer profoundly impacts various aspects of a

woman's daily life. It disrupts sleep patterns, leads to unintended weight gain, diminishes social

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interactions, affects sexual health, increases stress, and alters dietary habits and physical activity. These

disruptions not only affect a woman's physical health but also contribute significantly to emotional and

psychological distress. To improve the quality of life for women living with breast cancer, interventions

targeting these specific issues are crucial. Programs designed to manage sleep disturbances, strategies to

control weight gain, and initiatives that encourage social interaction through support groups can offer

significant benefits. Additionally, addressing sexual health concerns with counseling and medical

interventions, incorporating stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness and therapy, and promoting

healthy eating habits can contribute to overall well-being. Regular physical activity, tailored to the

individual's needs and abilities, should also be encouraged to help maintain physical strength, combat

fatigue, and improve mental health. By adopting a comprehensive, patient-focused approach, healthcare

professionals can better support breast cancer patients in overcoming these challenges, leading to improved

physical and emotional resilience.

Recommendations

Based on the study's findings, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Regular Lifestyle Monitoring and Screening: Routine assessments should be carried out to track

lifestyle factors in women diagnosed with breast cancer.

2. Programs for Lifestyle Improvement: Educational programs should be designed and implemented to

promote healthier lifestyle choices among breast cancer patients.

3. Supportive Social Initiatives: Community-based support groups should be established to assist women

in maintaining healthy lifestyles and coping with the psychological challenges of breast cancer.

4. Expanding Research with Larger Sample Sizes: Future studies should involve larger and more

diverse samples to enhance the generalizability of the findings and provide further insights.

Conflict of Interest: Nil

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