Rehabilitation in women with breast cancer.

The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in women has undergone profound changes in the past century. Although much research and clinical attention has been focused on saving the lives of women with this condition, less focus has been on rehabilitation aspects. This postacute care should be a distinct phase of treatment. The field of physical medicine and rehabilitation has much to offer women who undergo extremely toxic although life-prolonging therapies for breast cancer. The focus of rehabilitation should include improving strength and cardiovascular conditioning, alleviating pain and improving fatigue. With respect to exercise, this can help women to physically recover from treatment and potentially prevent cancer recurrence. Many exciting opportunities will be available for rehabilitation specialists to improve the care of women with breast cancer and to participate in research in the field of oncology rehabilitation.