Physical Therapy in Breast Cancer: clinical protocol at the Cancer Hospital III / INCA

Abstract

Various complications following breast cancer treatment have been reported in the literature. Physical therapy plays an important role in prevention, reduction, and treatment of adverse effects from breast cancer treatment. The implementation of routine physical therapy for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment aims to prevent complications through homecare measures and orientation as well as early diagnosis and intervention, seeking to improve quality of life and reduce personal and hospital costs. It also allows the formation of a database on risk factors and incidence of complications, evaluation of various approaches, and service plans. The approaches shown here undergo constant changes aimed at improving physical therapy techniques and availability of human and material resources. Our aim is to publicize the work accomplished to date for its discussion by other professionals as well as by physiotherapy services in other cancer centers.