Multidisciplinary approach in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm among women. Worldwide, there will be about 2.1 million newly diagnosed female breast cancer cases in 2018, accounting for almost 1 in 4 cancer cases among women. The disease is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the vast majority of the countries. The purpose of this article is to report the positive experience of a multidisciplinary team in the care of women with breast cancer and their family members. Our approach that is part of the Cancer Patient Support Center (CPSC) at the public health (IPSEMG) in Brazil has been developed taking into account a broader concept of health care. We value not only individual dimensions in patient care, but also common ones, we recognize the importance of dealing with non-biological aspects of the disease, such as socioeconomic, political and cultural facets and our service is focused on health promotion rather than merely on curative treatment. Among the advantages of our approach, we highlight the facilitated accessibility to health services, the patient-centered communication and shared decision making, and the strong bonds between health professionals, patients, and family members. As part of CPSC`s activities, we emphasize the services provided by ?Aconchego? (?Warmth?), that is our breast cancer support group at public health in Brazil

Quality of life among brazilian women having undergone surgery for breast cancer: validity and reliability of the quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and breast cancer module (QLQ BR-23).

The aim of the present study was to verify the measurement properties of the generic Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and specific Breast Cancer Module (QLQ BR-23) for assessing the quality of life of Brazilian women having undergone breast cancer surgery. The measurement properties of the instruments were evaluated with regard to internal consistency, discriminant validity, criteria validity, and test-retest reliability. Adequate internal consistency indices (α=0.47 to 085) were demonstrated. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine criteria validity, demonstrating that the domains for pain (PA), emotional functioning (EF) and social functioning (SF) explained 46% of the variance. The instruments presented satisfactory test retest reliability in both the interobserver and intra-observer evaluations. The EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR-23 instruments proved adequate in assessing the quality of life of Brazilian women having undergone breast cancer surgery and also demonstrated the importance of assessing the quality of life as a health indicator with the aim of seeking more qualified and humanized care

Influence of physical activity on the quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm among women. As a consequence of the increased number of cancer diagnoses, and concomitant mortality reductions for most types of cancer many patients live with physical and psychosocial problems associated with the disease and its treatment that may compromise their quality of life (QoL). Exercise has been recommended as part of standard care for patients with cancer to help prevent and manage physical and psychosocial problems and improve QoL. The objective of the current study was to compare the impact of physical activity practice in women with breast cancer, through indicators of quality of life. Methodology: This is a randomized study with breast cancer patients in a large general hospital in southeastern Brazil. The questionnaires were applied regarding function and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR-23). Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: control, without intervention and treatment group, with the practice of physical exercises and nutritional orientation. Physical activity was performed for 3 hours/ week through active-assisted exercises of flexion, abduction, extension, and rotation of upper limbs and treadmill walking at speed tolerated by the patient. After six months of participation, all patients were reassessed, with blindness of the investigator. Results: The study did not reveal statistical difference in the constructs cited (p> 0.05) between the control group and the treatment group regarding "Global Health Status? " Functional Scale? and " Scale of Symptoms ", however the patients in physical activity presented better mood and confidence being more adapted to face the challenge of the disease. Discussion: The practice of physical activity showed no benefit in improving quality of life and functional capacity in patients with breast cancer in the evaluation by questionnaires in a short period established, however, showed favorable trends for improvement in successive evaluations