EM477: Breast Cancer: from Diagnosis to Rehabilitation

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in the Italian female population, with a slightly increasing incidence rate but a steadily decreasing mortality rate. This is thanks to preventive screening and ongoing research into diagnostic techniques and medical-surgical treatments.

After breast surgery or treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, complications can arise that affect patients' quality of life, including from a motor point of view. Fundamental is the role of the physiotherapist experienced in breast rehabilitation, who can intervene before, during, and after treatments.

In this new edition, in addition to providing the theoretical knowledge necessary for the comprehensive evaluation of the breast cancer patient and the practical knowledge to be able to manage the needs of this type of patient and any post-treatment complications, we have included a part dedicated to the taking charge and relational approach, with an experienced colleague.

We also considered it essential to supplement the previous course with two days dedicated exclusively to exercise oncology, with colleague Francesco Bettariga. National and international guidelines, as well as scientific research, increasingly point to the importance of exercise in all phases of prevention and treatment of the cancer patient. It is therefore imperative for those involved in this area of physical therapy to have the theoretical and practical knowledge of exercise management in the various phases of treatment.

There is ample space in the course for practical parts both with demonstration by the lecturers and rehearsals among participants. The course is based on the latest scientific evidence, with special attention to the topic of therapeutic education and exercise, which are fundamental to the management of cancer patients in the various stages of care.