Eating Habits and Preferences of Polish Women Undergoing Treatment for Breast Cancer

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study is the assessment of the nutrition as well as the eating habits and preferences<br />of Polish women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Material and methods: The study included women undergoing<br />breast cancer treatment aged over 50 years. Data were collected on 112 respondents, residents of a large city, for whom<br />the average time elapsed since the completion of treatment was 5 years. Their eating habits and preferences were<br />determined on the basis of the frequency of consumption of products with potentially beneficial and adverse effects on<br />health, which made it possible to determine the pro-Healthy Diet Index-10 (pHDI-10) and non-Healthy Diet Index-14<br />(nHDI-14). The intensity of properties beneficially and adversely affecting health was assessed in three intervals: small,<br />moderate, and large. On the basis of the BMI index persons with normal body proportions were identified as well as<br />those above the norm. The effect of lifestyle and socioeconomic status on pHDI-10 and nHDI-14 was determined.<br />Results: More than half of the studied women had normal body weight and 39% were overweight. One in three women<br />was characterised by a low level of physical activity. The participants of the study followed diets with a low intensity<br />of unhealthy properties with a weak influence of protective properties of nutrition. A significant, adverse effect of the<br />nutritional knowledge and health self-assessment on pro-Healthy Diet Index-10 and non-Healthy Diet Index-14 was<br />demonstrated. Bad habits related to lifestyle (excessive energy consumption/overweight, smoking cigarettes in the<br />past) contributed to overconsumption of unhealthy products/dishes. Conclusion: The demonstrated dietary mistakes<br />indicate that actions aiming to promote benefits of undertaking behaviour beneficial for health should also be carried<br />out among women with breast cancer diagnosis after the completion of treatment.