WEight Management for BReAst CancEr Patients (EMBRACE). Unwanted weight gain after breast cancer treatment is a common problem. Treatments such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy can influence body metabolism and at the same time, anti-emetics like dexamethason can cause an increase in appetite. The undesirable increase in body weight is usually an increase in fat mass and a decrease in muscle mass. In the long run, this can increase the risk of health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, unwanted weight gain has a major influence on body image and health-related quality of life of breast cancer survivors.
The aim of the project is to develop an appropriate and effective weight management program, accessible to everyone who has been treated curatively for breast cancer. By the end of 2022, a treatment protocol will be ready, based on the best available scientific evidence, the insights of healthcare professionals, and the preferences of patients with breast cancer.
The project is funded by the Nationaal Fonds tegen Kanker.