P-2-15-01
EARLY OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
P Capodaglio, MR Strada, E Lodola, C Grilli, M Panigazzi, G Bazzini (S. Maugeri Foundation, Pavia, Italy)
Purpose - The aim of the study is to provide greater knowledge of endurance capacity in breast cancer patients to improve the planning of return to work or to daily and leisure activities.
Method - 30 breast cancer patients were asked to perform a preferred daily task (mopping the floor, ironing) on a simulator (Lido WorkSET). They performed a 3-minute test at three different subjective intensities (moderate, somewhat hard, hard) until the onset of pain or fatigue. Pain intensity (VAS 0-100), functional capacity of the shoulder (Constant scale), perception of effort (Borg's 1 O-point scale), heart rate, mechanical work and power output were monitored. Tests were repeated after a subjectively tailored rehabilitation program.
Results - A significant increase of the mean shoulder score (25%) and the mean mechanical parameters (30%) was generally observed after rehabilitation.
Conclusion - The test proposed in this study provides a means to reliably predict the workload that can be tolerated for a prolonged period under painfree and non-fatiguing conditions.
P-2-15-02
THE LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF BREAST CANCER OPERATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICE PLANNING
Chenwei (Tongji Hospital, Tongji university, Wuhan PRC)
Abstract: As most breast cancer patients tend to be young, rehabilitation is very important. 100 patients who underwent breast cancer debulking had a follow up exam within 7 years of the initial operation. With an average age of 46 years these patients were given the operation first. At the follow-up 6% of the patients had died in a short time after discharge. Survivors were given a Quality of Life Index (QLI) assessment and a socioeconomic interview. Of the survivors 40% were failing to occupy their time in a meaningful way and had complications, their QLI marks were lower. Their quality of life was severely curtailed for those who could not occupy their time. Appropriate counseling, vocational evaluation, psychotherapy, and family support in the early years following breast cancer operation may help to improve quality of life for these patients.
