Florida Hospital Best in Care - Summer 2011 - (Page 7)

Gaining weight during cancer treatment may increase your chance of recurrence. Expert Nutritional Support Maintaining good nutrition is especially important during cancer treatment. Working oneon-one with you, a registered, licensed dietitian at Florida Hospital’s Center for Nutritional Excellence can help you develop a healthy lifestyle plan by: • Reviewing eating and physical activity habits • Determining your body mass index • Discussing supplements during and after treatment • Making dietary recommendations • Providing nutritional tips to cope with treatment side eﬀects • Reviewing guidelines for healthy eating post-treatment To learn more, call (407) 303-BEST (2378). Heavy Concerns Exploring the When diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, Cynthia Bu ngton, PhD, director of research and education at the Metabolic Medicine and Surgery Institute at Florida Hospital Celebration Health, gained a considerable amount of weight during her treatment. Cynthia Buﬃngton, As an internationally recognized PhD, Obesity obesity researcher, Dr. Bu ngton Research became curious about her weight gain and began exploring the relationship between cancer treatments, weight gain and recurrence. What she discovered was that 96 percent of women with breast cancer gain weight during treatment. dangers of weight gain during cancer treatment. There are multiple causes for the link between cancer and obesity involving hormonal and molecular changes that signiﬁcantly increase the risk for cancer to recur, according to Dr. Bu ngton. “There are so many contributing factors to weight gain during treatment. Sleep loss, type of treatment, psychological status after diagnosis, and change in body composition are just a few inﬂuences,” she says. “Once I started researching the link, I knew I needed to bring attention to this on a larger scale.” Dr. Bu ngton speaks to cancer support groups, makes presentations at community events, is helping launch a website for oncology patients about preventing weight gain, and will soon be leading a study at Florida Hospital Celebration Health examining weight gain after breast cancer diagnosis, causes and intervening therapy. “It’s so important to educate people about the dangers of weight gain during treatment for all types of cancer,” says Dr. Bu ngton. “Avoiding weight gain can save your life.” WHY WEIGHT GAIN MATTERS “Cancer treatment and weight gain seem like an oxymoron,” says Dr. Bu ngton. “You’d think that having cancer would lead to weight loss, but the opposite frequently occurs.” “People undergoing cancer treatment become less active due to side e ects, which leads to muscle loss, and ultimately, a lower metabolic rate. And weight gain increases your risk of recurrence and death from cancer.” According to Dr. Bu ngton, studies have found that as little as a six-pound weight gain during treatment can lead to a 35 percent increase in the recurrence of cancer after treatment, and that a 17-pound weight gain can increase your risk by 64 percent. SEPT PROTECT YOUR FUTURE HEALTH Join Dr. Buﬃngton for a FREE lecture where she discusses ways to manage your weight during cancer treatments, at 5:30 pm, September 15, at Celebration Community Center. Call (407) 303-BEST (2378) to RSVP today. HEALTHY 00tips CALM YOUR HUNGER Berries contain antioxidants that trigger receptors in the upper intestines telling the brain you’re full. So, grab some blueberries to feel fuller and more satisﬁed. FloridaHospital.com 7 http://www.FloridaHospital.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Florida Hospital Best in Care - Summer 2011

Florida Hospital Best in Care - Summer 2011
Real Help for Erectile Dysfunction
Correcting a Common Problem — Pelvic Floor Disorders
Weight Gain During Cancer Treatment Puts You at Greater Risk
Bright Eyes
Choosing the Right Rehab Program After a Stroke

Florida Hospital Best in Care - Summer 2011