
1st STUDENT SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE OF THE BRAZILIAN ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH AND POSTGRADUATE IN PHYSIOTHERAPY (ABRAPG-FT)
Mais dadosBreast cancer is a pathology with heterogeneous characteristics, with wide variation in terms of its morphological nature and unpredictable clinical responses. Despite increasing the chances of cure and survival, the therapeutic approaches indicated for its treatment, such as breast removal surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, weaken the woman's body and directly impact her quality of life.
ObjectivesThus, this study aimed to analyze the function of the pelvic floor muscles in women who survived breast cancer and compare them to healthy women, as well as to compare their functional capacity, quality of life and sexual function.
Methods40 women were recruited, equally, divided into two groups: Group of Women with Breast Cancer (GMC, from the Hospital do Câncer Alfredo Abrão de Campo Grande-MS) and Group of Healthy Women (GMS, from the Clínica UFMS Integrated School). All participants were submitted to the following evaluations: sociodemographic and clinical information questionnaire; 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT); Sit and Reach Test (SAT); handgrip dynamometry; Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire; PERFECT scheme and pelvic floor manometry. The GMC participants also answered two specific questionnaires for cancer patients (Quality of Life Questionnaire - QLQ C30, Quality of Life Breast Cancer - QLQ BR23).
ResultsThe statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the functional capacity tests in the 6MWT (p <0.01), in the TSA (p <0.01) and dynamometry (p 0.012 for the right hand and p 0.003 for the left hand), in addition to the FSFI questionnaire, scheme PERFECT and manometry (p< 0.001).
ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that among women with breast cancer, sexual dysfunctions and losses related to functional abilities are common, especially in the strength of contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, aspects related to desire and sexual satisfaction.
ImplicationsEven with the constant technological advances of low, medium and high complexity related to the treatment and cure of cancer, women survivors can experience sequelae of a physical and emotional nature, reflected in their function of the pelvic floor muscles, functional capacity, quality of life and sexual function, which can last for long periods or for a lifetime. Especially pelvic floor disorders, little studied in the literature and neglected by health professionals, as it is not considered a fatal problem for the health of patients. Physical therapy proves to be an important ally in this scenario, contributing to the integration of sociodemographic and clinical data of the participants for a better understanding of the factors that most impact the quality of life of women who had breast cancer.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgment: We would like to thank the Mato Grosso do Sul State Support Foundation for the Development of Teaching, Science and Technology for granting the scholarship.
Ethics committee approval: Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, number 20615819.2.0000.0021.