Overweight and obesity in patients with cancer: Study in Dharmais National Cancer Hospital, Jakarta

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are considered risk factors for several solid and blood cancers. However, body mass index (BMI) is rarely assessed in newly diagnosed patients with cancer. This study aimed to evaluate BMI and its associated factors in patients with cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled newly diagnosed cancer patients over the period January 2015-December 2017 at the Dharmais National Cancer Hospital, Jakarta. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the medical records. BMI was calculated for each patient. Comorbidity was evaluated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results: In total, 696 newly diagnosed cancer patients were enrolled, with women in predominance (66.2%). The mean patient age was 54.0±12.8 years. Most patients (90.7%) had solid tumours; breast and lung cancers were the most common diagnosis. Among haematological malignancies, lymphoma was the most common (55.4%). Overweight or obesity, noted in 309 (44.4%) patients, was significantly associated with age, sex (women) and haematological malignancies. No association between disease stage and BMI was observed. Among patients with solid tumours, age and sex (women) was associated with overweight and obesity. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in newly diagnosed cancer patients was 44.4%. The proportion of this association was more prominent in women and in those with haematological malignancies. Among solid tumours, age and the female sex demonstrated the strongest association with overweight and obesity. Additional studies to assess whether certain dietary patterns and physical activity levels are risk factors for cancer are warranted.