Patient-Reported Unmet Needs and Preferred Strategies for Weight Management in Cancer Survivors

Weight change after cancer treatment is clinically significant but difficult to manage, and little is known about how unmet weight management needs differ by weight change status posttreatment. We examined weight change patterns, the prevalence and reasons for unmet needs, and preferred weight control strategies among cancer survivors.

We analyzed an online survey of adults with cancer, assessing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, weight history, perceived weight control adequacy, reasons for unmet needs, and support strategies. Weight change was categorized as weight loss, stability, or gain.

Among 2024 respondents, 36.8% and 14.3% lost and gained weight post-treatment, respectively. Weight loss was more common in patients with lower income, more comorbidities, and chemotherapy exposure, while weight gain was more prevalent among younger, female, employed, and single survivors. Overall, 34.7% of participants reported unmet weight management needs; the highest prevalence was reported among those who gained weight (63.5%), who were over three times more likely to report unmet needs than weight-stable survivors. Reasons included difficulty giving up the enjoyment of food, limited exercise or dietary control, low motivation, and treatment-related side effects, with notable differences by weight change group. Online or mobile services were the preferred strategies, followed by educational programs and support from medical staff or local clinics.

Weight changes after cancer treatment are common and vary by demographic, clinical, and cancer-specific factors. Unmet weight management needs are considerable, reflecting behavioral and treatment-related challenges. Survivors expressed interest in digital tools and clinician-led support, highlighting the need for integrated, patient-centered approaches.