| Current statistics report that 186,772 women and 1,815 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and in that same year, 40,954 women and 362 men died of the disease (CDC, 2007). Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. In Hispanic women, breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death. Many studies have linked post-diagnosis weight gain to a greater risk of recurrence and death (Chlebowski, Aiello, McTiernan, 2002). Helping breast cancer patients maintain a healthy weight with behavior change interventions may contribute to better health during survivorship.;Health behavior change aimed at a lifestyle that consists of maintaining a plant-based diet with greater levels of physical activity may contribute to improved survival after a diagnosis of breast cancer (Rock & Demark-Wahnefried, 2005). The Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) study and the Women's Intervention Nutrition Study (WINS) (Pierce, Natarajan & Caan, 2007; Chlebowski, Blackburn & Thomson, 2007) are examples of studies that found that both a healthy living had a significant improvement in disease-free survival. A multidisciplinary approach to weight management can provide patients with breast cancer support in avoiding weight gain or achieving clinically appropriate weight loss.;The purpose of this study will be to collaborate with a clinical nutritionist and exercise specialist to create a two-day group workshop for women with a diagnosis of breast cancer that will address the biopsychosocial aspects of weight management in the context of cancer survivorship. This will allow for emotional support, an exchange of up to date information on diet and physical activity, as well as to build confidence. The method will be a demonstration project with the goal to create a practical application of an existing body of evidence. It will use sound psychological reasoning and apply existing psychological knowledge. The Weight Management Workshop for Breast Cancer Survivors will be comprised of two, three and a half-hour programs facilitated by a health psychology doctoral student and a registered and state licensed dietitian, specializing in oncology and exercise. The results will be a manual for the workshop. |
