Physical Therapist Management of the Complications Associated with the Medical and Surgical Treatments of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies in low-and middle-income countries, where inadequate resources limit access to healthcare. Some complications associated with the medical and surgical management of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) include cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Unfortunately, there is limited evidence-based information on physical therapists’ role in managing these complications. In the last decade, to our knowledge, only seven oncology rehabilitation textbooks were published. Two of the four textbooks was authored by physicians, and the other five were written by physical therapists. Evidence-based information on physical therapists’ role in managing BCRL is rare. This chapter examines the pathogenesis of BC and BCRL, including a description of the symptoms, stages, grading, and diagnosis of BCRL. It also discusses CRF and CRCI, medical and surgical treatments, physical therapy evaluation, and a robust and comprehensive review and analysis of the efficacy of physical therapy in managing lymphedema. Finally, the chapter prpresents evidence-based physical therapy in managing BCRL and offers clinical vignettes and case studies to enliven the treatment approaches, as well as an overview of the clinical practice guidelines for managing breast cancer-related lymphedema and cancer-related fatigue, including prevention and interdisciplinary care.