RESEARCH & TOOLKITS
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER FOR BREAST CANCER WARRIORS:
It’s a cliché, but clichés often have their roots in common sense. As a breast cancer survivor, you need to co-pilot your post-treatment journey back to good health.
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INFORM YOUR DECISION MAKING
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REDUCE YOUR ANXIETY
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IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATIONS
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LEVEL-UP YOUR SELF-CARE
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MAKE EVERYONE STRONGER
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BE FIRST IN-LINE, BE FIRST TO-KNOW!
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KICK-START YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY
The Alala Cancer Society is just one of the organizations whose mission is “to identify, organize, solicit, and provide access to resources to support individuals and communities in the fight against cancer.”
The link above will help you understand the key reasons why Alala believes empowerment of breast cancer warriors is key to your healing journey.
WELLNESS TOOLKITS
ACADEMIC RESEARCH
THE FOLLOWING OPEN-SOURCE ACADEMIC PAPERS RELATE TO:
SECTION 1:
Axillary Web Syndrome (diagnosis or treatment)
SECTION 2:
Combatting the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment Programs
Effectiveness of Physical Therapy in Axillary Web Syndrome After Breast Cancer:
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Published:
Supportive Care in Cancer, April 2023
Background:
The axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a surgical breast cancer sequel that limits the functionality of the patient and delays the protocol times of application of cancer treatments. This implies a long period of discomfort and limitations for the user.
Objective:
“To investigate the different physiotherapy treatments for the AWS and how effective they are.”
Layman's Terms:
This article evaluates multiple physical therapy modalities and concludes that “Exercise and stretching are the most effective therapies within the field of physiotherapy for the rehabilitation of axillary web syndrome. They restore range of motion faster, reduce pain, improve quality of life, and reduce disabilities.” Accessed via PubMed April 2024.
SECTION 1:
Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS) Diagnosis or Treatment
Diagnosis and Treatment of Axillary Web Syndrome: An Overview
Published:
Chinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, June 2020
Summary
Synthesis:
“Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a self-limiting disease that can occur as an early or possible late postoperative complication post-axillary surgery. This syndrome is characterized by the spread of the cords of subcutaneous tissue extending from the axilla into the arm and clinically associated with pain and limited movement of the shoulder in the affected limb.”
Layman's Terms:
This article discusses the etiology, diagnosis of AWS, and reviews the impact of drug therapy, manual drainage, percutaneous needle cord disruption, and surgical treatment on the symptoms of AWS. Accessed via Science Direct April 2024.
Axillary Web Syndrome Following Breast Cancer Surgery:
Symptoms, Complications, and Management Strategies
Published:
Breast Cancer, 2018
Abstract
Synthesis:
“Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a common condition occurring in up to 86% of patients following breast cancer surgery with ipsilateral lymphadenectomy of one or more nodes. AWS presents as a single cord or multiple thin cords in the subcutaneous tissues of the ipsilateral axilla… Education about and increased awareness of AWS should be promoted for patients and caregivers. Assessments for AWS should be performed on a regular basis following breast cancer surgery especially if there has been associated lymphadenectomy. Physical therapy, which consists of manual therapy, exercise, education, and other rehabilitation modalities to improve range of motion and decrease pain, is recommended in the treatment of AWS.”
Layman's Terms:
This article advocates for the use of Physical Therapy in the treatment of AWS. It considers exercise and stretching, manual therapy, compression, manual manipulation by a lymphatic specialist. It concludes that there is a need to improve awareness of AWS treatments, stating: “Education about and awareness of AWS should be promoted for both patients and providers, and regular assessments for AWS should be initiated by health care providers.” Accessed via both PubMed and the publisher’s website, April 2024.
Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Pain:
An Overview of Pathophysiology and Treatment Modalities.
Published:
SAGE Open Med, March 2022
Abstract
Synthesis:
“Since their introduction into clinical use in the 1970s, aromatase inhibitors have been a cornerstone of therapy for estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women… This article will describe risk factors for aromatase inhibitor-associated muscular skeletal syndrome… and give an overview of effective treatment options in managing this syndrome.”
Layman's Terms:
A useful recap of studies examining pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic routes of treatment for Aromatase Inhibitor Musculoskeletal Syndrome (AIMSS), including the role of exercise, acupuncture and nutritional supplementation. Accessed via PubMed April 2024.
Acupuncture for Cancer Pain:
A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Published:
Frontiers in Oncology, 2023
Background Synthesis:
Due to the effectiveness and safety, acupuncture, one of the traditional therapies of Chinese medicine, has been widely used in clinical practice globally. A few systematic review or meta-analyses have proved its effectiveness and safety towards patients with cancer pain, while there are no syntheses among those evidence. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize the evidence from systematic reviews of acupuncture for the treatment of cancer pain and evaluate the breadth and methodological quality of these evidence as well.
Layman's Terms:
This article includes a summary of the findings of 25 reviews and meta-analyses investigating the role of acupuncture in cancer treatment programs. In summary, the article states: “All the reviews have declared that acupuncture is an effective method for cancer pain treatment. Eleven reviews (44%) aiming at evaluating the safety also have confirmed that acupuncture is safe for treating cancer pain.” Accessed PubMed April 2024
SECTION 2:
Combatting the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment Programs
Acupuncture Improves Multiple Treatment-Related Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Published:
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Dec 2021
Introduction Synthesis:
Acupuncture has demonstrated effectiveness for symptom management among breast cancer survivors. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on treatment-related symptoms among breast cancer survivors.
Layman's Terms:
From the 20 trials reviewed, this paper suggests that acupuncture was more effective than control groups in improving pain and hot flash severity. Furthermore, the acupuncture groups showed significant reductions in symptoms including pain intensity, fatigue, depression, hot flash severity, and neuropathy. Accessed PubMed April 2024
Management of Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Musculoskeletal Symptoms
Published:
JCO Oncology Practice, August 2020
Abstract
Synthesis:
“Aromatase inhibitor–induced musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS) were first recognized as a distinct entity in 2001, 5 years after the approval of the first aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole. Musculoskeletal symptoms can severely affect patients’ quality of life and also lead to premature discontinuation of aromatase inhibitor therapy. Several interventions for managing AIMSS have been investigated in the last decade, with some demonstrating promise. This article provides an evidence-based summary to guide practicing oncologists in regard to the epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of AIMSS.”
Layman's Terms:
A review and analysis of 21 studies and some 13,000 participants. This paper evaluates the impact of therapy, exercise, yoga, acupuncture and Vitamin D therapy amongst other drug interventions. Accessed via www.ascopubs.org, April 2024.
Acupuncture Reduces Nausea and Vomiting, Pain After Major Breast Surgery
Published:
Dukehealth.org, 2004 updated Jan 2016
Summary Synthesis:
“In the first such clinical trial of its kind, researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that acupuncture is more effective at reducing nausea and vomiting
after major breast surgery than the leading medication. The researchers also found that patients who underwent the 5,000-year-old Chinese practice reported decreased postoperative pain and increased satisfaction with their postoperative recovery.”
Layman's Terms:
This study by Duke University Medical Center was first published in September 2004 in the Journal Anesthesia and Analgesia. This article was subsequently updated January 2016. The original clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture during post-surgical recovery from a breast operation. Accessed online via Duke Health’s website, April 2024.
Physical Activity and Survival After Breast Cancer Diagnosis:
Meta-Analysis of Published Studies
Published:
Medical Oncology, September 2011
E-pub PubMed, April 2022
Abstract:
“Published data have shown that physical activity (PA) has a positive role on the primary prevention of breast cancer risk. However, the role of PA on breast cancer outcome has been controversial with inconsistent data. The lack of a meta-analysis that addresses that issue prompted the current report…Post-diagnosis PA reduced breast cancer deaths by 34% (HR=0.66, 95% CI, 0.57-0.77, P<0.00001), all causes mortality by 41% ”.
Layman's Terms:
This study seeks to understand the impact of physical activity on breast cancer survivors. The results are compelling, especially for those women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumor: “The analysis showed that post-diagnosis PA reduced breast cancer deaths (HR=0.50, 95% CI, 0.34-0.74, P=0.0005), and all causes mortality (HR=0.36, 95% CI, 0.12-1.03, P=0.06) among patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumor”.
Nutrition and Physical Activity Influence
on Breast Cancer Incidence and Outcome
Published:
Breast, August 2013
Introduction
and aims:
To provide a current perspective on nutrition and physical activity influence on breast cancer.
Methods and Results:
“…The lifestyle factor most strongly and consistently associated with both breast cancer incidence and breast cancer recurrence risk is physical activity. A meta-analyses of observational studies supports the concept that moderate recreational physical activity (about 3-4 h walking per week) may reduce breast cancer incidence and that women with early stage breast cancer who increased or maintain their physical activity may have lower recurrence risk as well”.
Layman's Terms:
To learn about the impact of physical activity and exercise on breast cancer recurrence.