Functioning results from complex interactions between different domains of life, such as "health conditions", "body function and structure", "activity and participation", and "personal and environmental factors". Women undergoing surgery for breast cancer are expected to suffer from some degree of functioning impairment, whether due to alterations in structural components of the ipsilateral upper limb or psychological and social harm. In this context, understanding which domains of functioning are most affected and to what extent these changes can impact the lives of these patients is crucial for designing public health policies and effective rehabilitation protocols particularly tailored to this population.

To assess the functioning/disability of women who underwent surgery as a treatment for breast cancer using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), which is an instrument developed by the World Health Organization that assesses functioning in six domains: cognition, mobility, self-care, interpersonal relationships, participation, and activities of daily living.

We conducted a descriptive observational study in Fortaleza/CE with women between 18 and 80 years old without cognitive impairment and diagnosed with breast cancer, evaluated 3-12 months after surgery. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data and applied the WHODAS 2.0 (36-item version). The scores from WHODAS range from 0 to 100 for each of its six domains and total score — the higher the score, the greater disability.

The study included 29 women (average age: 55.97). The mean of the WHODAS scores was 21.53 (with a 14.26 standard deviation). The most affected domains were domestic activities (30.34±21.73) and participation (30.60±20.62), while the least affected were self-care (10.34±12.45) and activities of daily living (13.36±9.18).

The rehabilitation process after surgery for breast cancer should especially consider domestic activities and women's social participation as therapeutic goals.

The reported indicators can serve as a basis for outlining care protocols and monitoring the rehabilitation evolution of these patients.