Exercise Considerations for Breast Cancer Survivors

Women who undergo any type of treatment for breast cancer are affected in a multitude of ways. Survivors and health care providers sometimes focus on the visible scars or marks that surgery or radiation leave behind. It is not until treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation are completed that we realize for the first time that there are simple tasks such as reaching, lifting or stretching that are now painful or limited. Loss of ability to perform these tasks or pain with these tasks can be simply annoying to some patients but life altering to others.

Treatment interventions that can affect patients may include biopsy of breast or node(s), lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction or radiation therapy. Any of the above listed procedures performed to diagnose or treat the cancer can affect your ability to move your arm or shoulder, breathe deeply or perform daily activities as simple as brushing your hair, dressing or bathing. This may lead to more complex issues for the survivor such as shoulder impingement/ tendonitis, frozen shoulder, chronic neck pain and so on. For this reason, it is important to do exercise in order to minimize any of the side effects and maximize your ability to perform all of your daily activities again.

Consideration should be taken to each individual survivor’s needs. It is very important for survivors to talk with their doctor before starting any exercises. Some survivors have an extensive background and history of exercise prior to diagnosis and treatment. Others have little to no experience and may need guidance to meet their needs while paying special attention to all medical and post cancer issues. The doctor may suggest that the survivor seek professional help from a physical or occupational therapist who can help design an exercise program specific to the survivor’s needs.

Typically, many exercises should not be done until the sutures and/or drains are removed. There are a few simple range of motion and breathing exercises that surgeons frequently encourage women to perform shortly after surgery. Strengthening exercises are usually added later to allow for adequate healing to occur post-operatively. Again, it is important to seek medical advice to ensure progression is within your specific stage of healing.

Women have many questions and concerns when they begin exercise. It is typical to have a few aches and pulling sensations but nothing should be long lasting or be accompanied by pain so severe that simple rest, stretching or ice cannot treat. Frequently, exercise in the immediate post-operative stage is performed in isolated positions such as sitting or lying on your back. These exercises become more advanced and resistance may be added.

​Women may even enroll in a class with a qualified instructor to meet the specific needs of the breast cancer survivor. Care is take in these classes to consider all of the issues the survivor may have while advancing exercise specific to their diagnosis.