European University of Lefke, Head of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Assist. Professor Gülbin Ergin, issued statements about “The Importance of Physiotherapy in Breast Cancer”.

Ergin said that “Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women today and the incidence is increasing in breast cancer. It has been determined that breast cancer in Turkey ranks first in all cancer cases seen in women with 24.1% and breast cancer is the most common cancer among hospitalized cancer patients. The incidence of breast cancer in men is in the 60-69 age group and in women it is between the ages of 45-54”.

Ergin emphasized that the survival rate after breast cancer is increased by the early diagnosis methods and treatment approaches (surgical methods, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, etc.) and added that there might be a long period of time for the problems affecting the quality of life of the individuals according to the applied treatment approaches.

Ergin stated that “Breast cancer treatment approaches causes; some mechanical disorders that adversely affect the upper body and shoulder areas, the prevention of lymphatic flow, muscular loss, soft tissue stiffness and adhesions, and joint restraints. The most important complications requiring early physiotherapy are pain, shoulder problems and lymphedema. According to the treatment applied to these problems, respiratory problems (reduction of the enlargement of the thorax), nerve damage, infection and psychological problems can occur. The most important step in coping with these problems is to provide the necessary trainings before the treatment approaches. All patients should be followed up with pre-treatment physiotherapy to initiate positive communication between the patient and the physiotherapist, in order to reduce the patient’s anxiety and to establish the training steps”.

Ergin made some suggestions to the patients and said that “In the postoperative term patients; should not cut the tissues around the nail of the affected side and should not have a manicure, should avoid extreme heat and cold (hot bathing, sunbathing), should keep the skin clean and protected from the infectious (insect insertion, animal scratching, gardening, etc.), should not lie on the affected side, avoid physically demanding activities (heavy lifting, etc.), should not make repetitive movements (ironing, carpet cleaning, etc.), should not wear tight clothing, should establish vascular access from affected side and measure blood pressure”.

Ergin pointed out that early or late appearance of lymphedema, pain, limitation of shoulder movements may lead to decrease in quality and even social isolation can occur according to severity of edema. While continuing his speech he added that in order to prevent lymphedema from appearing, providing the necessary training is the most important treatment approach and pointed out that the application of complex deconjestive physiotherapy is the most effective treatment approach after lymphedema emerges.

Ergin stated that patients should be directed to physiotherapists who have been certified for this treatment after their undergraduate courses and that group therapies such as intrapleural lymphatic therapy and added that clinical pilates will increase motivations of patients and these therapies proved to be effective in lymphedema.

Ergin said that the aim of including the patients in the physiotherapy program from the earliest day and following them afterwards is to increase the daily life activities and quality of life and to return the patients to their active and productive lives.