Breast cancer and its treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy are associated with a wide range of distressing physical, emotional, and social side effects. While some side effects do resolve on their own with time, many are long-lasting and can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life, daily function, and overall well-being.

In a recent study, it was reported that up to 90% of women experience one or more adverse treatment effects 6 months post diagnosis and up to 60% of women experienced at least one or more side effects 6 years after diagnosis. Most commonly, side effects included pain, fatigue, limited arm mobility, decreased function, lymphedema, neurological impairments, axillary web syndrome (cording), and difficulty with daily tasks. It is important to note that very similar impairments are noted within those affected by high-risk breast cancer gene mutations.

Fortunately, all of these side effects can be effectively managed with specialized physical or occupational therapy, known as breast cancer rehabilitation. With breast cancer rehabilitation, a patient’s cancer-related impairments and restrictions can be minimized and/or overcome, such that their physical, emotional, social, and vocational function is optimized.

Research in the field has proven that breast cancer rehabilitation plays a crucial role in one’s recovery, from diagnosis to survivorship. In fact, The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) and the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer recognize the importance of cancer rehabilitation and include it as a standard of an accredited cancer care program.

However, despite extensive evidence demonstrating the benefits and safety of breast cancer rehabilitation, only 1-2% of cancer survivors receive such specialized care. The high prevalence of unmet rehabilitation needs within the breast cancer community is distressing, as such unmet needs are known to be associated with decreased ratings of quality of life and function.

So, why exactly aren’t more patients receiving breast cancer rehabilitation?

Experts in the field have identified numerous barriers to accessing the specialized service, including:

• Costs associated with rehabilitative care

• Inadequate insurance coverage and substantial out-of-pocket fees

• Decreased awareness about breast cancer rehabilitation amongst patients and healthcare professionals

• Limited access to a therapist specialized in breast cancer rehabilitation within the community

• Suboptimal government support

• Discriminations based on race, age, and ethnicity

To bridge this significant medical care gap in the continuum of cancer care, these barriers need to be addressed, and that is exactly what we aim to do! By addressing these barriers, our goal is to improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors, previvors, metavivors, and thrivers.

We are committed to helping those affected by breast cancer to live well during, after, and well beyond breast cancer.