Oncology SIG

Breast cancer

Patient brochures to download

Physiotherapy treatment

The exercises offered help to restore normal function of the arm and shoulder. They prevent the onset of more disabling problems.

If treatments (surgery or radiotherapy) have been associated with an axillary lymph node clearance, physiotherapy is fundamental. The patient should not hesitate to ask for advice during her stay in the hospital.

Physiotherapy aims to prevent or reduce stiffness of the shoulder on the side of the operated breast. It is important to start physiotherapy as soon as the day after the operation if possible.

The exercises offered help to restore normal function of the arm and shoulder. They prevent the onset of more disabling problems.

Initially, the exercises are done with the physiotherapist. Then the patient does them alone once a day so that the shoulder can move better and better. Physiotherapy sessions are continued for at least two months.

In case of lymphedema, the physiotherapist uses an appropriate technique: manual lymphatic drainage. It aims to evacuate the lymph that stagnates and is responsible for lymphedema. After measuring the extent of the lymphedema, the physiotherapist performs lymphatic drainage on all swollen areas.

The physiotherapist can combine lymphatic drainage with other techniques (application of bandages). Depending on the extent of the lymphedema, the physiotherapist may advise wearing a custom-made sleeve.

Massages at the level of the scar can be useful: they improve its condition. It is recommended that these massages be away from surgery or radiotherapy. Your physiotherapist knows the right time to perform them.

• Cancer Foundation
• Luxembourg Association of Oncological Sports Groups (ALGSO asbl)

The aim of the "ALGSO" (Lëtzebuerger Kriibs-Sportgruppen) is to help people treated for cancer quickly regain their pre-illness quality of life, both physically and psychologically. It is worth noting that numerous scientific studies have highlighted the positive effects of adequate group physical activity beyond oncological treatment and individual physiotherapy rehabilitation. In addition, the association raises awareness of the importance of physical exercise in reducing the risk of recurrence.

To this end, the association currently offers five weekly sports groups for adults in various locations across the country: Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Ettelbruck, and Mondorf-les-Bains. For children undergoing cancer treatment, it offers a weekly sports group at the "Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner" in Strassen.

Participation in an oncology sports group, which takes place upon recommendation from the attending physician, is free for association members. The number of participants in all sports groups, currently just over 100 people, continues to grow. Regular participation is not required: everyone is free to participate as often as they wish.

The activity of these sports groups aims to improve endurance to moderate physical effort and coordination of movements. It also includes flexibility and muscle strengthening exercises specific to each individual's pathology. The sports groups are supervised by sports activity and/or physiotherapists.