Influence of an Intervention on Diet, Physical Exercise and Mindfulness in the Quality of Life of Survivors With Breast Cancer

Influence of an Intervention on Diet, Physical Exercise and Mindfulness in the Quality of Life of Survivors With Breast Cancer

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Breast Cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of death among women around the world. Integrative oncology, together with conventional medical treatment, has proven to be an important support for the control of cancer symptoms, improvement of quality of life, and contribution to the overall patient health, providing an integrated patient care both physically and emotionally.

METHODS:

75 stage II-III breast cancer survivors were randomized (according to age, tumor stage and receptor status) into 2 groups: intervention and control. Within the intervention group (IG) a diet, exercise and mindfulness intervention was performed, while the control group (CG) did not receive any sort of treatment, during 6 months. Passed (at the beginning and end of the research) questionnaires concerning general health, quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23), and diet (Mediterranean diet adherence test and 24-h-recall) and a blood and urine sample was collected to analyze general biochemical variables.

RESULTS:

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients between 18 and 70 years of age
• Breast cancer IIA-IIB operable in follow-up
• Seen in the Oncology service of the Virgen de las Nieves Hospital in Granada
• Residents in the city or metropolitan area of Granada
• Had completed, in the 12 months prior to its inclusion, treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and / or systemic chemotherapy treatment (including biological treatment).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those who presented some physical or psychic limitation that prevented the intervention from being carried out were excluded from the study.