Early Exercise After Breast Cancer Surgery Improves Outcomes

Early structured exercise for patients at high risk for upper limb disability resulted in less pain and improved function.

Axillary lymph node dissection with or without comprehensive nodal irradiation causes arm and shoulder disability in breast cancer patients. With the advent of sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging, this procedure is becoming less common. In this multicenter U.K. trial, investigators assessed the effect of a structured exercise program on functional outcomes in patients at high risk for upper limb disability related to breast cancer nodal surgery and radiotherapy. A total of 392 patients were randomized to usual care alone or usual care plus a structured exercise program starting 7 to 10 days after surgery and consisting of 3 to 6 sessions designed to restore movement in the shoulder, improve strength, and increase activity.

Upper limb func…

Reviewing Author

Henry Mark Kuerer, MD, PhD, FACS

Disclosures

Speaker's BureauPhysicians’ Education Resource, LLC

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill Professional; UpToDate, Inc.

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Surgical Oncology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Breast Surgeons (Chair, Publications Committee)