Role of rehabilitation medicine in the care of the patient with breast cancer

Abstract

In the treatment of cancer, not only of the breast but of other anatomic areas as well, consideration must be given not only to the “quantity of success” but also to the “quality of success.” Physical problems can result from any type of cancer therapy. These physical problems must be recognized early. Every effort must be made to minimize the resultant defects, whether by preventive or definitive means. The primary goal of treatment must be control of the disease, but the complications of such treatment can no longer be ignored. Utilization of available rehabilitation facilities to prevent or alleviate these complications must be considered more than in the past. However, the physician must go beyond the physical deformities and consider the many psychologic, social, economic, and vocational problems besetting a cancer patient and his family. It is beyond the realm of any single physician to accomplish this goal. Ancillary medical and paramedical personnel must help to achieve this end. Every opportunity must be given the cancer patient to continue his life in dignity rather than in despair.