Breast Cancer Treatments and Complications: Implications for Rehabilitation

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Following breast cancer treatment, a significant number of women will develop treatment-related complications that affect function and quality of life. The complications are not always localized to the breast tissue, as many of the treatments have larger regional and systemic affects on body structures and function, including mental functions; neuromusculoskeletal and movement related functions and structures; and functions of the cardiovascular, hematologic, immunologic and respiratory systems. Many of these complications go unrecognized and few of these women are referred for rehabilitation. Here we detail the current clinical treatments for breast cancer, the cell biological responses to these treatments, and the immediate and long-term effects of each treatment on physical function. With greater knowledge of the sequelae of breast cancer treatments, rehabilitation specialists will be better equipped to provide evidence based, informed, carefully directed, and beneficial care for patients with breast cancer.