Nutritional assessment of female patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer in a northern region of Spain

Background: evidence from research suggests that the development of cancer disease is associated with environmental factors. There are few studies evaluating nutritional status in women suffering from cancer in Spain. Objectives: this study aimed to assess the nutritional status in breast cancer female patients at diagnosis in a northern region of Spain (Asturias), where breast cancer rates are particularly high when compared to the rest of Spain. Material and methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 76 newly diagnosed female cancer patients. Lifestyle factors, anthropometry, biochemical, and dietary intake data were collected immediately after diagnosis and prior to the initiation of the prescribed treatment. Results: a high percentage of these women diagnosed with cancer were sedentary (59.2%). Their average body mass index (BMI) was 27.3 +/- 5.5 kg/m(2). They also showed a high percentage of body fat, 38.3%, as well as a large waist circumference of 92.2 cm. Patients reported a low intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts, and a high intake of red meat, meat products, and sweet foodstuffs as compared to the Spanish dietary guidelines (p < 0.01). Conclusion: the results showed a low intake of folate, calcium, and vitamin D, which is particularly relevant in women. In conclusion, these breast cancer patients showed overweight and high sedentarism levels, and reported unbalanced dietary patterns at the time of diagnosis.