Background

Cancer survivors are at increased risk for developing chronic health conditions, subsequent malignancies and have early mortality. Obesity is a significant risk factor for poor health outcomes in the general population, and obesity further exacerbates the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and poor long-term health for survivors. Addressing obesity in survivorship is imperative for improving long-term health outcomes.

Methods

The University of Texas at MD Anderson cares for more than 14,000 cancer survivors in specialized survivorship clinics. In 2022, a comprehensive review of body mass index (BMI) data from the clinics indicated that 72% of the patient population (n=10,015) were classified as overweight (34%), obese (23%), or morbidly obese (16%). In response, a multidisciplinary team developed the Adult Obesity Screening and Management algorithm to standardize care practices.

Results

This evidence-based tool offers tailored weight assessment and management, encompassing diet, exercise, behavioral interventions, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. It caters to the unique needs of cancer patients during and after treatment, ensuring achievable and optimal outcomes. Institutional adoption of this algorithm could revolutionize obesity screening and management in survivorship care, empowering healthcare providers to address obesity effectively.

Conclusions

The implementation of this specialized algorithm marks a significant step in combating obesity and enhancing patient health. The aim is to promote standardization at both institutional and national levels, ultimately improving survivors' long-term health and reducing the burden of obesity-related complications. The cancer survivorship obesity management algorithm will be accessible to all stakeholders involved in caring for cancer survivors.