Pilot Study for a Prospective Surveillance Program for Rehabilitation Following Surgery for Breast Cancer

Participants received a pre-surgery arm assessment for shoulder mobility, upper body muscle strength, upper body function, and arm volume. Same assessment was repeated at 12 months post-surgery. After surgery, participants randomized to the surveillance group underwent the same arm assessment at 3, 6, and 9 months post-surgery. If arm morbidity was detected at any of those time points, then the participant was referred to individual physiotherapy treatment until the issue was resolved.

Participants received a pre-surgery arm assessment for shoulder mobility, upper body muscle strength, upper body function, and arm volume. Same assessment was repeated at 12 months post-surgery. After surgery, participants randomized to the education group were asked to attend three patient education sessions on nutrition, stress management, and fatigue management of approximately 1 hour, delivered at 3, 6, and 9 months by study staff.