Background

Amongst breast cancer patients, those with obesity have poorer clinical outcomes and higher mortality, independent of their menopausal and estrogen receptor status. Providers should inform patients of this association and refer them to resources to reduce these risks. Objective: To reduce breast cancer-related morbidity, mortality, and overall health in patients by referring appropriate candidates to the bariatric surgery program.

Methods

The authors identified patients with breast disease who received treatment at New York-Presbyterian Queens from March 2020 to the present. After receiving active treatment, breast cancer patients who met the criteria for bariatric surgery were offered enrollment into the program. Bariatric surgery candidates included patients with BMI over 40; patients with BMI 35-39.9 with at least one obesity-related comorbidity; and patients with BMI under 35 with two comorbidities.

Results

Since initiating the program, 18 patients have been referred to the bariatric surgery clinic. Ten patients had a BMI over 40, seven patients had a BMI 35-39.9 with one or more comorbidity, and one patient had a BMI under 35 with two comorbidities. Five patients are planning to undergo bariatric surgery, and one patient had a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Seven patients either have an upcoming consultation appointment or are undecided regarding surgery. Four patients refused the referral but are regularly following up with the metabolic clinic.

Conclusions

These patients have an opportunity to improve their prognoses and overall health. Furthermore, this work represents a general strategy for reducing the morbidity and mortality of breast cancer patients with obesity.