Breaking paradigms, new breast cancer rehabilitation methods from occupational therapy: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent diseases in Colombia and worldwide. Thousands of women, who undergo treatment, survive and require timely and comprehensive occupational therapy intervention. This paper presents a rehabilitation case study that followed the biopsychosocial and quality of life in persons model. Case presentation: Intervention on a 64-year-old woman referred to the occupational therapy service with a diagnosis of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the left breast with neoadjuvant radiotherapy, after modified radical mastectomy and stage III lymphedema. She presented with restricted participation and occupational performance, specifically in activities of daily living, with relevant psychosocial and socio-emotional consequences. An intervention focused on the individual, following a biopsychosocial approach, was proposed in order to apply strategies on restorative, empowerment and maintenance activities of occupational skills involved in activities of daily living. Emphasis was placed on socio-emotional, occupational biomechanics and education aspects with special care to involve the interests of women. Conclusions: Rehabilitation for breast cancer patients not only involves biomedical care but also approaches psychosocial aspects that sometimes have to be solved in advance to get results that are later evident in the health of the person. In this case, a breast prosthesis was elaborated by and for the person, using all kinds of strategies that responded to biomedical axes and well-being and health.

Keywords

• Occupational therapy
• Breast cancer lymphedema
• Breast neoplasms
• Comprehensive health care.