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Introduction Breast cancer incidence and mortality are projected to rise significantly by 2050, underscoring the need for integrated treatment strategies that address modifiable lifestyle factors. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of BMI on the dietary habits and health behaviors of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods The study included 108 women (aged 31–65 years; mean 54.0 ± 9.15 years) recruited consecutively at the Breast Surgical Oncology Department of the Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland (from April to October 2023). Participants were divided into two groups based on BMI: Group 1 (within the normal range) and Group 2 (above the normal range). Dietary habits were assessed using the validated KomPAN questionnaire; health behaviors were assessed using the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) by Juczyński. Results Women with above-normal BMI presented a less favorable metabolic and behavioral profile, characterized by higher body fat percentage, greater visceral fat, shorter sleep duration, higher prevalence of tobacco use, lower leisure-time physical activity, and less regular meal patterns. Diet quality was higher in Group 1, with significantly greater consumption of vegetables, fruits, and fermented dairy products. Nutritional knowledge was insufficient in both groups, despite most women rating their own knowledge as adequate. Discussion These findings underscore the need for targeted nutritional and behavioral interventions, encompassing dietary education, physical activity promotion, and sleep hygiene, integrated into standard oncological care, particularly for women with excess body weight. In line with recommendations from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), such interventions may reduce the risk of recurrence, improve prognosis, and enhance quality of life.
Bilska et al. (Tue,) studied this question.