Role of a Structured Physical Activity Pathway in Improving Functional Disability, Pain and Quality of Life in a Case of Breast and Gynecological Cancer Survivorship

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) interventions can improve physical functioning, treatment-related symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors. Most investigations have been conducted in breast cancer survivors, while studies on PA interventions in gynecological cancer survivors are scant. Here, we report for the first time the possible benefits of a structured PA pathway (i.e., eight weeks of adapted PA followed by twelve weeks of adapted fitness) on physical side effects, pain and QoL in an uncommon case of survivorship of both primary breast and gynecological cancers. For this purpose, a 69-year-old woman was assessed by functional test battery (shoulder–arm mobility, range of motion, back flexibility) at baseline and after the structured PA pathway. QoL and surgical shoulder, back and lower limb pain intensity were evaluated by Short Form-12 (SF-12) and numerical rating scale questionnaires, respectively. Lower limb circumference was also assessed. Improvement in upper limb function, reduction of lower limb edema and pain perception, as well as an increase in overall QoL were achieved after the completion of structured PA intervention. Our findings suggest that a PA intervention tailored to individual characteristics may represent an effective countermeasure to reduce post-treatment functional disability and pain, and thus to improve QoL in breast and gynecologic cancer survivors.