Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women around the world. The fight against this disease does not only involve medical treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but also a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation to improve the quality of life of patients. In this context, therapeutic exercise has become an essential component of the rehabilitation of breast cancer patients. Next, we will explore the importance and benefits of therapeutic exercise in this process.
Physical benefits of therapeutic exercise
- Strength and endurance improvement: After breast cancer treatments, many patients experience a decrease in their strength and physical endurance. Therapeutic exercise helps to recover and maintain muscle strength, which is crucial to carry out daily activities with greater ease and autonomy. According to Ficara et al. (2022), exercise interventions are a valuable strategy to prevent the decline of cardiorespiratory fitness and strength.
- Fatigue reduction: Fatigue is one of the most common side effects in breast cancer patients. Studies have shown that regular exercise can significantly reduce fatigue, improving overall energy and vitality.
- Weight control: Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which is important since being overweight and obese can increase your risk of cancer recurrence.
- Cardiovascular health: Cancer therapies can affect the cardiovascular system. Therapeutic exercise promotes heart health and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Improvement of the aftermath of surgical treatments: Following breast cancer surgery, decreased range of motion, loss of strength, and possible appearance of lymphedema in the affected shoulder, arm, and hand is common. Therapeutic exercise helps improve these sequelae by restoring joint movement, strengthening weakened muscles, and helping decrease lymphedema, facilitating better functional recovery of the arm and shoulder (Lin et al., 2023; Park, 2017) .
- Improved quality of life related to health: Resistance exercises and combined interventions offer significant improvements in physical function, health-related quality of life, and reduced fatigue and pain. These critical benefits can substantially improve the life experience of patients (Aune et al., 2022).
- Reduced risk of recurrence and mortality: Complying with the minimal patterns of physical activity before diagnosis and after treatment is associated with a significant reduction in the risks of recurrence and mortality among patients with breast cancer (Cannioto et al., 2021).
Psychological and emotional benefits
Reduction of stress and anxiety. Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are significant sources of stress and anxiety. Therapeutic exercise releases endorphins, known as “happiness hormones”, which help improve mood and reduce stress.
Improved self-esteem and confidence. Participating in an exercise program can increase self-esteem and self-confidence, especially when improvements in fitness and overall well-being are observed.
Promotion of socialization. Many times, therapeutic exercise programs are carried out in a group, which provides the opportunity to socialize and create a support network between people who are going through similar experiences.
Common exercises in breast cancer rehabilitation
1. Stretching exercises: They help improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness, especially after surgery.
2. Strength training: Use light weights or resistance bands to strengthen muscles and improve physical function.
3. Aerobic exercises: Activities such as walking, swimming or cycling improve cardiovascular endurance and increase energy levels.
4. Yoga and Pilates: These disciplines combine stretching, strengthening and breathing techniques, offering both physical and mental benefits.
Therapeutic exercise is a powerful tool in the rehabilitation of breast cancer patients. It not only helps to regain physical strength and endurance, but also provides significant psychological and emotional benefits. It is important that patients consult with their doctors and work with health professionals specialized in rehabilitation to design an exercise program that suits their individual needs. By incorporating therapeutic exercise into your routine, breast cancer patients can improve their quality of life and face the path towards recovery with greater strength.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- Aune, D., Markozannes, G., Abar, L., Balducci, K., Cariolou, M., Nanu, N., Vieira, R., Anifowoshe, Y. O., Greenwood, D. C., Clinton, S. K., Giovannucci, E. L., Gunter, M. J., Jackson, A., Kampman, E., Lund, V., McTiernan, A., Riboli, E., Allen, K., Brockton, N.T., Croker, H., … Chan, D. S. M. (2022). Physical activity and health-related quality of life in women with breast cancer: a meta-analysis. JNCI Cancer Spectrum, 6(6), PKAC072.https://doi.org/10.1093/jncics/pkac072
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- Lin, Y., Chen, Y., Liu, R., & Cao, B. (2023). Effect of exercise on rehabilitation of breast cancer surgery patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nursing Open, 10(4), 2030–2043.https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.1518
- Park J. H. (2017). The effects of complex exercise on shoulder range of motion and pain for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Breast Cancer (Tokyo, Japan), 24(4), 608–614.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-016-0747-7