Early exercise after breast cancer surgery improves outcomes
Axillary lymph node dissection causes arm and shoulder disability in breast cancer patients. This procedure is becoming less common since sentinel lymph node biopsy. In this multicenter United Kingdom trial, researchers assessed the effect of a structured exercise programme on functional outcomes in breast cancer nodal surgery and radiotherapy patients at high risk for upper limb disability.
Total 392 patients were randomised to usual care alone or usual care plus a structured exercise program starting 7 to 10 days after surgery to improve shoulder movement, strength, and activity. At one-year, upper limb function measured by the Disability of Arm, Hand and Shoulder (DASH) questionnaire was significantly improved in the exercise group compared with the usual-care group.
Exercise improved pain and disability symptoms. Exercise did not increase complications. Comparing the intervention to usual care showed cost-effectiveness. After nonreconstructive breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy, early structured exercise improves function and disability. Programmes, where this intervention is not normally the standard should change practice to include it.
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