Breast cancer remains high in Taiwan and 90% of Taiwanese people don't know about "cancer rehabilitation"! Beware of Derived Cellulitis
Breast cancer remains the top cancer among women, and lymphedema is the most common after surgery
February 4th every year is “World Cancer Day”. According to the latest data on the top ten cancers in Taiwan in 2020 released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, “breast cancer” continues to hold the first place among female cancers, with the number of new cases reaching 15,259. It is an important factor in the health of Taiwanese women. The number one killer. In the face of the high incidence rate of breast cancer, in addition to early breast cancer screening, treatment and correct rehabilitation after the cancer is discovered are also the key to affecting the prognosis and quality of life.
Surgery is the primary treatment for breast cancer. In addition to the removal of tumor tissue, it may also expand to surrounding tissues, armpit lymph nodes, etc. Therefore, “lymphedema” has become one of the most common sequelae after breast cancer surgery. It not only causes changes in appearance and affects normal movement functions, but also affects the appearance of breast cancer. It may also be because fluid accumulation hinders blood circulation and increases the risk of infections such as cellulitis and lymphangitis. Timely intervention in rehabilitation therapy after surgery is even more important.
Lin Ziwei, chairman of the “Taiwan Cancer Rehabilitation and Prevention Association”, said that more than 90% of the people do not understand the concept of “cancer rehabilitation”, let alone the importance of cancer rehabilitation. Take “breast cancer”, the leading killer of women, as an example. Whether appropriate cancer rehabilitation is involved may affect the time it takes for cancer patients to return to normal life. In the past, some breast cancer patients did not receive any rehabilitation treatment, and it lasted up to two years after surgery. Being unable to return to work has a huge impact on daily life.
Breast cancer treatment trends change, rehabilitation accelerates return to normal life
Dr. Huang Bairong, a specialist in breast surgery and founder of the New England Clinic, pointed out in an interview that surgical removal of tumors is the primary goal in the treatment of breast cancer. The current treatment trend is to perform adjuvant chemotherapy, targeted therapy or radiotherapy before surgery. Reduce the size of the tumor before surgical removal. However, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery may cause partial defects in breast appearance, movement function, and lymphatic circulation, which require postoperative rehabilitation intervention to help improve the condition.
“For breast cancer, no matter what kind of treatment is used, rehabilitation after treatment is very important!”
Dr. Huang Bairong said that the surgical treatment of breast cancer continues to improve, from early radical mastectomy to breast-conserving surgery; traditional lymphadenectomy can also be changed to sentinel lymph node dissection (Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection, SLND), which has significantly improved Reduce the chance of postoperative lymphedema or motor function impairment. However, the impact of surgery on lymphatic circulation and surrounding tissue circulation is unavoidable. Breast cancer patients are still advised to get involved in professional cancer rehabilitation as soon as possible.
“Advances in surgical technology and post-treatment rehabilitation not only help cancer patients return to normal life faster, but also prevent scar tissue from affecting motor function and appearance!” Dr. Huang Bairong pointed out that after breast cancer treatment, appropriate rehabilitation can not only improve motor function The recovery is better than expected, and you have a better chance of regaining your favorite interests and hobbies after the doctor evaluates the safety.
Severe adhesion after surgery is like “wearing armor”, fear of pain and a vicious cycle of recovery
Li Wen, a breast cancer patient with professional nursing qualifications, pointed out in an interview that lymphedema, fascial adhesion and joint stiffness are common problems after breast cancer surgery. In particular, the more lymph nodes removed during surgery, the greater the risk of postoperative lymphedema. bigger. She also cited her own experience as an example. Severe adhesion of the back fascia after surgery was like “wearing armor” and seriously affected normal movements. It took more than a year of professional rehabilitation to recover 70-80%.
Li Wen said that rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery requires very professional assistance. It is not possible to achieve the desired results by watching videos and practicing exercises on your own, not to mention that many patients do not know the importance of rehabilitation or do not know when to start rehabilitation. . For example, the “axillary network symptom cluster” that is common after breast cancer treatment may cause abnormal stiffness and pain in the muscles extending from the lymph nodes to the hands, causing cancer patients to be afraid to stretch or exercise, and fall into a vicious cycle.
“It is recommended that cancer patients learn how to rehabilitate before surgery, stay sensitive enough to their arms, and seek assistance from rehabilitation departments and professional treatment teams as early as possible!” Li Wen reminded that breast cancer patients must learn three things after being diagnosed: First One is wound care, the second is how to stretch the joints, and the third is lymphatic drainage. Especially the troublesome lymphedema can be prevented early through appropriate rehabilitation treatment.
What should I do if I have lymphedema after breast cancer surgery? Therapist debunks breast cancer recovery myths
Occupational therapist Peng Yuhan, who specializes in cancer rehabilitation, pointed out that most breast cancer patients have “rehabilitation myths”, including the timing of rehabilitation treatment, or follow folk prescriptions without advice, which may cause If there is any physical burden, or there are safety taboos for accidentally touching the affected area, it is best to go to the rehabilitation clinic for evaluation and guidance by doctors and therapists before proceeding. The most common problems for breast cancer patients that require interventional rehabilitation include:
Axillary web syndrome. After lymph nodes are removed, a stiff tendon will easily appear that extends to the arm. In a few people, it will extend to the armpit or side of the body, which will hinder the movement of the arm and affect the execution of daily life. A therapist will be required to perform manual treatment and stretching exercises.
Breast reconstruction. Using different breast reconstruction methods such as silicone transplantation and autologous skin flap transplantation, different massage methods may be used to maintain the softness of the reconstruction site and avoid scar hyperplasia. It is further combined with stretching and gradual muscle exercises to avoid joint stiffness caused by being immobile for a long time.
Lymphedema of upper limbs. Patients with obvious lymphedema can use manual lymph drainage, pressure clothing such as sleeves and gloves, pressure bandages, exercise training, skin care and other life guidance, also known as Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) rehabilitation.
Generally speaking, cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and subsequent treatments that are arranged according to individual conditions. If there are structural or movement disorders in the affected area, or sequelae that affect daily life functions, be sure to choose a cancer treatment option. Rehabilitation experts provide further assistance.
The incidence of breast cancer in Taiwan remains high. Regular ultrasound follow-up is available after the age of 18
Given that the number of breast cancer cases in Taiwan remains high, the age at which breast cancer occurs is younger than in European and American countries. Dr. Huang Bairong reminded that regular mammography can reduce breast cancer mortality by 35% and increase the chance of detecting carcinoma in situ. Women aged 45-69 should undergo mammography examination every two years. Young women can undergo regular breast ultrasound examinations from the age of 18. Young people should pay more attention to self-care and seek early evaluation from a breast surgeon if they have any breast health concerns.
In order to accelerate the popularization of cancer knowledge and establish the correct concept of cancer rehabilitation and prevention among the people, the “Taiwan Cancer Rehabilitation and Prevention Association” continues to promote breast cancer rehabilitation knowledge and calls on women to understand breast cancer in addition to early detection and early treatment. Regarding the impact of breast cancer rehabilitation on health, timely consultation with professionals and acceptance of rehabilitation intervention can help you return to normal life faster.
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