UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective:: To evaluate the nutritional status by means of anthropometry in women included in the Campaign of Macedonian Anti Cancer Association (MACA) for early detection of breast cancer in the Republic of Macedonia (RM). This Campaign started in March 2005, and it is the first of this kind in RM

Methods:Demographic and medical data were collected, clinical investigation, ultrasound of the breast tissue and anthropometry were done. The following anthropometrical parameters were evaluated: height (cm); body weight (kg); BMI (graduated according to WHO); upper arm circumference (cm); eight skin-fold thickness (mm); elbow diameter (cm); upper muscle area and upper fat area (cm²) according to Frisancho; and percent of body fat (% fat) according to Siri. Anthropometrical parameters were compared with NCHS references. The women were divided in three groups according to the ultrasound findings of the breast tissue: negative findings (Group I), cystic (Group II) and tumor-like changes of the breast tissue (Group III)

Results:According to the anthropometric criteria 56.0 % of the investigated women were well nourished, 2.0 % were with risk of malnutrition, 30.7 % were overweight and 11.3 % were obese. % fat was significantly higher for Group III (34.2 ± 9.2) compared with both Group I (29.2 ± 8.3) and Group II (29.3 ± 8.7). The subcutaneous fat was symmetrically distributed (trunk/extremities). The changes of the breast tissue (detected with ultrasound) was significant predictor for % fat (F=17.39, p<0.0001) and for BMI (F=2.88, p<0.05).