Metabolic Syndrome in Mexican Women Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study at a General Hospital

INTRODUCTION: According to developed countries’ studies, in breast cancer survivors there is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome; however, in Mexico data is lacking about this issue. GOAL: To explore if metabolic syndrome occurs in Mexican women survivors of breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At a second-level general hospital, women with breast cancer with a surviving >2 years were studied. The analysis involved their demographic and anthropometric features, blood pressure measurement, time of surviving, besides fasting blood levels of lipids and glucose. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 100 women; 42% were obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2)). The sample´s mean age was 60 years with a mean surviving time of 6.5 years. Their mean glucose level was 122 mg/dL and triglycerides 202 mg/dL. There were 33% with blood pressure ≥130/85mm Hg or diagnosis of hypertension. Fifty-seven percent had glucose >99 mg/dL or diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and 58% had triglycerides >149 mg/dL. Metabolic syndrome occurred in 57% of obese women. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that metabolic syndrome occurs in more than 50% of obese Mexican women survivors of breast cancer.