European University of Lefke (EUL) Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Lecturer Dr. Physiotherapist Necati Özler gave information on ‘The Importance of Physiotherapy in Breast Cancer’ within the scope of breast cancer awareness month.

Özler stated that ‘Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and causes death. According to the statistics of the World Health Organisation (WHO) National Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); the incidence of breast cancer in the world in 2020 is 2,261,419, and the risk of death is determined as 684,996. In Turkiye, the incidence in the same year is over 24 thousand, and the risk of death has exceeded 7 thousand. The number of breast cancer cases has increased 2.5 times in the last 25 years in our country. Breast cancer is a complex, multifactorial disease and the most important risk factor is being a woman.’

‘Physiotherapy is an important treatment method for improving the quality of life of patients’

Özler continued as follows: In addition to genetic predisposition, age, lifestyle, obesity, bad eating habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, high glucose levels, reproductive history, early menstruation, late menopause, hormone therapy, radiation exposure and family history of breast cancer are the main risk factors associated with breast cancer. Immediately after an individual is diagnosed with cancer, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Although these treatment methods aim to destroy cancer cells, they also bring side effects. Physiotherapy is an important treatment method for managing these side effects and improving patients’ quality of life. During breast cancer treatment, patients may often experience fatigue, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, shoulder pain, and postural disturbances. Physiotherapy is an effective option for alleviating these symptoms and restoring mobility. A good physiotherapist assesses the individual needs of the patient and tailors the treatment plan individually.

‘Lymphedema is one of the most common issues that physiotherapists deal with after breast surgery’

Özler pointed out the following important issues by saying that physiotherapy can be used in different stages of breast cancer treatment: In the post-surgical period, patients often have difficulty in moving their arms and shoulders. Physiotherapists apply exercises and manual therapy techniques to eliminate these problems and restore the mobility of the arms. In this way, patients can perform their daily activities more comfortably. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy affect muscle strength and flexibility. This can limit patients’ physical activity. Physiotherapy improves patients’ physical endurance through strengthening exercises and conditional training. Thus, patients’ quality of life improves and they become able to perform their daily activities more independently. One of the most common issues that physiotherapists deal with after breast surgery is lymphoedema. During the removal of cancerous breast tissue, surgeons usually remove the lymph nodes together with the tumorous tissue to prevent the spread of cancerous cells. This disrupts the drainage of the lymph fluid and swelling and a feeling of heaviness occur, especially in the arm on the breast side. If this condition is not treated, the arm swells and becomes functionally dysfunctional. Physiotherapists apply special methods such as manual lymphatic drainage, skincare, the use of bandages and appropriate compression garments, and pumping exercises in the treatment of lymphedema.

Özler concluded as follows: “Physiotherapy is an effective rehabilitation method that plays an important role in breast cancer treatment. It provides great benefits in managing side effects, restoring mobility, and improving quality of life. However, as each patient is different, physiotherapy treatment should be tailored individually. Physiotherapy can support the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of patients, which is of great importance in the fight against cancer.”