Obesity after cancer treatment

Piotr
Piotr Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
About four years ago my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, the tumour was not quite small, so the surgery was not so invasive and the treatment was relatively convenient. But ever since it was finished, my mum started to gain on weight and now she is quite obese, although she had always been slim. I don’t think it would be appropriate to ask but I am just curious so: may it have some link with the treatment or is it just a sign of ageing?

Thank you very much for all the answers.
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Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2009

    Sometimes there is a weight gain during chemo treatment, very much dependent on the person. Some people just want to eat more. Some are reacting to steroids given with tx.

    You should encourage her ... inspire her ... offer to exercise with her, to try to get the extra weight off. Extra pounds (kilos) are no friend to the breast cancer survivor, as the fat cells contribute to freely circulating estrogen.

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  • orange1
    orange1 Member Posts: 930
    edited March 2009

    Also, if your mom was given chemo or hormonal therapy, either could could have put into early menopause.  This can add weight. 

    I agree with LJ13 - encourage her to keep active.  If she's not interested in exercise (like at a gym), long walks may be helpful for taking some weight off.  Offer to go with her.

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