Body mass index and outcomes of gynaecological cancer patients (1.0)

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The impact of body mass index on the outcomes of gynaecological cancer patients

  • IRAS ID

    152719

  • Contact name

    Khadra Galaal

  • Contact email

    khadra.galaal@rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trusts

  • Research summary

    Women treated for gynaecological cancer experience poorer quality of life as a result of both the disease and its
    treatment.
    There is an emerging body of evidence indicating that higher body mass index has a negative effect on quality of life in
    women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. It is suggested that especially obese (BMI 30<
    40) and morbidly obese
    (BMI = 40) women are at risk of poorer quality of life during and after treatment for gynaecological cancer. However, the
    magnitude of this association varies among studies, and few studies have evaluated the effect of BMI on quality of life
    in gynaecological cancers other than endometrial (uterine) cancer. The association between BMI and psychological
    distress and sexual dysfunction in these patients is still unclear as evidence is scarce. In addition, some studies
    suggest that obesity may negatively affect surgical outcomes and complications in women undergoing gynaecological
    cancer surgery.
    We aim to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on quality of life (QoL), treatment outcomes and psychosexual
    outcomes in women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer.
    The study will include adult women (=18 years) diagnosed with gynaecological cancer and undergoing surgical
    treatment.
    The prospective cohort study will be a single centre study at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust in Truro.
    Women will be required to complete questionnaires at six different times during their treatment and follow up period. In
    addition they will have their weight taken at five of these six occasions.
    The study will last 30 months as we will include patients for 18 months and follow-up will be 12 months.

  • REC name

    South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    14/SW/0136

  • Date of REC Opinion

    21 Jul 2014

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion