Exercise benefits following breast cancer surgery – a narrative review

Abstract

One of the most common cancer diseases among women is breast cancer. Treatment following breast cancer surgery leads to many complications. Exercises play an important role from the immediate post operative period which could help in preventing post-surgical complications. Prevention of complications improves the quality of life of women. Though women feel that performing exercises following treatment are difficult there are many positive effects of exercises. This current study was done with an objective to analyse the various effects of exercises especially on the resisted exercises in preventing Secondary lymphedema (SL) and to focus light on the benefits of the exercises during and after chemotherapy. Literature search of PubMed, Clinical Key and Google scholar was performed. For women recovering from breast cancer surgery, resisted exercises, either by themselves or in combination with aerobic exercises, were safe and effective. These exercises improved upper body strength, increased endurance, decreased adipose tissue, decreased waist and hip circumferences, increased lean body mass, improved cardiovascular fitness, improved self-esteem, and decreased depression. Women with breast cancer related lymphedema had a considerable improvement in pain after performing deep breathing exercises combined with upper limb movements. Exercise can help mitigate the negative effects of chemotherapy and helps to overcome cancer related fatigue. Along with conventional exercises including range of motion exercises and aerobic exercises, moderate-intensity upper body resistance exercises are recommended to be a part of exercise protocol prescribed and educated to the women following breast cancer surgery for them to lead a better quality of life.