Factors Affecting Onset and Persistence of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Breast Cancer Survivors: A Prospective Study

This study aimed to investigate the onset and persistence of metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors in a community setting. The study included 329 female breast cancer survivors from 39 community health examination centers located in 14 urban areas in Korea. After an average of 4.6 years of follow-up, based on the presence of metabolic syndrome at baseline and follow-up, the subjects were assigned to three groups: Non-metabolic syndrome (n = 249), onset (n = 32), and persistent (n = 48). Factors associated with the metabolic syndrome were analyzed and presented as odds ratios (ORs). Older age, postmenopausal status, lower education, and lower-income level were associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the onset Mets and persistent Mets group. In particular, when the breast cancer survivor was obese (≥25 kg/m(2)), the probability of developing metabolic syndrome was 3.33 times higher than normal-weight subjects (<23 kg/m(2)) and the probability of metabolic syndrome persisting was 16.34 times. When breast cancer survivors were in their 60s or older, the probability of metabolic syndrome persisting was 4.27 times higher than those in their 40s. To prevent the onset and persistence of metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors, health-care providers should identify risk factors. Obesity, in particular, should be controlled.