OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVORS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Kamila Czyżak; Karol Dąbek; Urszula Marzec; Aleksandra Cyrkler; Natalia Cieślak; Agata Chodkowska; Eliza Rajca; Agnieszka Giza; Paulina Giza; Karolina Wymoczył

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5104

Authors

Kamila Czyżak John Paul II Municipal Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8866-5810
Karol Dąbek John Paul II Municipal Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6152-3870
Urszula Marzec Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6348-184X
Aleksandra Cyrkler Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6865-7450
Natalia Cieślak Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6355-8164
Agata Chodkowska Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5006-3040
Eliza Rajca Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony, Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6024-4298
Agnieszka Giza Independent Public Hospital No. 4 in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5741-3482
Paulina Giza Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7637-5906
Karolina Wymoczył Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7326-8013

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5104

Keywords:

BMI, Cancer, Cancer Survivors, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Obesity

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity have become a widespread problem in modern society, influenced by multiple factors, including oncological diseases and their treatment. A diagnosis of cancer at a young age, combined with adverse lifestyle patterns, may lead to significant challenges in maintaining healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI ≥30 kg/m2 is classified as obesity and may lead to multiple health complications, posing an additional burden for cancer survivors. The aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on the association between early-onset cancer and excessive weight gain.

Methods: This study presents current knowledge on overweight and obesity in childhood cancer survivors. A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on recent studies and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Key findings: Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of developing obesity compared to their peers. Studies show that they often face greater difficulties in maintaining normal body weight than their healthy siblings. Excessive body weight is associated with comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation, which require further treatment and can affect long-term health. Preventive strategies focusing on nutrition and physical activity are crucial for this group.

Conclusion: Despite the widespread prevalence of obesity, limited research focuses on its determinants in childhood cancer survivors. The maintenance of a healthy body weight is particularly important in this group to prevent secondary health complications. Therefore, supporting the development of healthy lifestyle patterns in this vulnerable population is vital for improving their long-term outcomes.

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