Importance of Physical Therapy in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Women diagnosed with breast cancer have had a significant increase in life expectancy in recent years. However, many of these women are living with chronic complications resulting from treatment. It is common during and after the treatment of breast cancer, particularly at the trunk and upper limb (pain, movement disorders, among others). Physical therapy may play an important role in the immediate and late postoperative period of breast cancer surgery where it can be considered one of the main preventive agents for disorders after surgery. Physical therapy is considered an effective intervention for pain control, postural realignment and recovery of functional autonomy and is important at all stages of treatment, and helps overcome the side effects of breast cancer treatment.