Therapeutic Exercises for Female Breast Cancer Survivor Assessment of Cardiopulmonary Anthropometric and Qualityof life

ABSTRACT Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division leading to

growth of abnormal tissue (Stephan, 2011). The two main characteristics are

uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body and the ability of these cells to

migrate from the original site and spread to distant sites (metastasis). If the spread is

not controlled, cancer can result in death. Breast Cancer (BC) is a malignant growth

that begins from the cells of the breast (Stephan, 2011). It is increasingly considered

to be not one disease, but a group of diseases distinguished by different molecular

subtypes, risk factors, clinical behaviours and responses to treatment [American

Cancer Society (ACS), 2013].

Breast Cancer is the commonest cancer affecting women in Nigeria with a steady

increase in prevalence over the years (Adebamowo and Ajayi, 2000; Adetifa, 2009).

According to global statistics on cancer, BC is the most frequently diagnosed cancer

among women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death among females,

accounting for 23% of the total cancer cases and 14% of the cancer deaths (Jemal et

al., 2011). It is a prevalent disease that requires intense and prolonged treatment

(ACS, 2005). Surgery to remove the tumor, especially when diagnosed early is

usually the first line of management. Adjuncts to surgery include the use of

chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, physiotherapy, and targeted or

biological therapy (ACS, 2013).