Abstract
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer for women in New Zealand and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, resulting in 685,000 deaths in 2020 (1, 2, 3).
Following breast cancer treatment, physiotherapy is recommended to address post-operative pain and diminished joint function (4, 5, 6). However, rates of referral and attendance with patients’ perception of breast cancer treatment is currently unknown in Wellington, New Zealand. The present study found that 24.4% (20/82) of women in the Wellington region experienced significant upper limb issues post-breast cancer treatment. However, only 13.4% (11/82) were referred to and attended physiotherapy. Of those who attended, 82% (9/11) reported improved upper limb function. Barriers to physiotherapy attendance include cost, time constraints, and insufficient awareness of its benefits. Notably, physiotherapy was more commonly utilized for treating rather than preventing upper limb dysfunction following breast cancer treatment.
The retrospective qualitative data obtained from a pending larger study, “Development of Culturally Appropriate Exercise Videos following Breast Cancer Treatment”, revealed four major themes based on participants experience of breast cancer prior to and post treatment.
These themes included: (1) a lack of tailored cancer treatment information and guidance for breast cancer patients, (2) barriers to accessing and benefiting from health services, (3) the need for a more holistic approach to the patient care and (4) management involving whānau for optimum health outcomes, and (5) cultural/alternative remedies utilized by the patient during their treatment.
Overall, these findings should assist health professionals in providing appropriate referrals, providing reassurance, tailoring information, and addressing barriers to improve breast cancer service delivery.