Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of social determinants on changes in dietary habits before and after diagnosis of breast cancer in women (Barcelona, 2003-2013).
Methods: We performed a cohort study with 2,235 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The information was obtained from an ad hoc questionnaire based on recommendations from the Spanish Society of Community Nutrition. We conducted a descriptive bivariate analysis and fit logistic regression models. The dependent variable was the change in dietary habits (food groups) and the independent variables were a selection of social and clinical variables (age, social class, cohabitation, years since diagnosis, history of replaces, and treatment with chemotherapy).
Results: While 5.8% of women followed a healthy diet (consumption of vegetables, fruits, farinaceous, lean meat, and seafood) before diagnosis, 9.5% did so after diagnosis. We observed statistically significant changes in consumption of all food groups (p < 0.001) after diagnosis. The greatest change in consumption patterns was observed in women aged < 50 years and those from non-manual classes (high classes) [e.g., legume consumption: OR<50 years/>65 years = 2.9 (95% CI 1.78-4.81); ORnon-manual/manual = 2.5 (95% CI 1.38-4.36)]. The occurrence of relapses and chemotherapy was associated with greater changes in dietary habits.
Conclusion: Women with breast cancer change their eating habits after diagnosis, and these changes are conditioned by social and clinical determinants.
Keywords: Breast cancer; Dietary changes; Lifestyle habits; Social inequalities.
© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.