Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
3948237 Gynecologic Oncology Reports 2015 4 Pages PDF
Abstract

•More patient education is needed to address the link between obesity and cancer.•Endometrial cancer patients have limited awareness of peri-operative risks related to obesity.•Preoperative counseling should incorporate specific obesity-related peri-operative risks.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate knowledge of obesity-related peri-operative risks in women newly diagnosed with complex atypical hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.MethodsWe conducted a cross sectional study of patients newly diagnosed with complex a typical hyperplasia or endometrial cancer who underwent preoperative counseling between 2011 and 2014, using a 17-item questionnaire. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Pearson's Chi-Square or Fisher's Exact tests where appropriate and Mann–Whitney U for continuous variables.ResultsOf 98 patients recruited, mean age was 58 years, 87% were obese, 83% white, and 51% had grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinomas. Sixty-four percent of obese women reported that their physicians had discussed surgical risks related to obesity. However, 17% of obese and 42% of non-obese patients responded that they were unsure of the peri-operative risks associated with obesity. There was a substantial lack of understanding among obese patients regarding their increased risks of respiratory problems (29%), thromboembolism (29%), heart attack (35%), or longer operating time (35%) and hospital stay (47%). However, obese patients were more aware of wound infection risks associated with obesity compared to their non-obese counterparts (72% vs. 31%, p = 0.004).ConclusionsPre-operative counseling for obese women with newly diagnosed endometrial cancer should incorporate more focused education about obesity-related risks. They report being knowledgeable about the risks associated with their surgery; however, more than a quarter are unaware of the impact obesity has on respiratory problems, thromboembolism, wound infection, heart attack or longer operating time and hospital stay.

Related Topics
Health Sciences Medicine and Dentistry Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health
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