Physical symptoms and working performance in female breast cancer survivors: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review was to summarize and systematize the information about physical symptoms and its relation with work activity on female Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS).


METHODS
A systematic search was performed on the databases MEDLINE/PubMed (via National Library of Medicine), SCOPUS (Elsevier), Web of Science (Thomson Reuters Scientific) and CINAHL with full text (EBSCO), including papers about physical impairments experienced by female workers who have had breast cancer.


RESULTS
The search retrieved 238 studies, and another 5 were identified in the articles' references, totaling 243 papers. After removing duplicates and applying the inclusion criteria and a full text reading, 13 articles were included for qualitative analysis. Concerning physical limitations, most complaints were related to the elevation of upper limbs, carrying heavy objects, driving and holding manual movements. The most referred symptoms were breast/arm pain, fatigue, lymphedema, reduced range of motion and weakness in the upper limbs, scar tissue adherence in the breast/axilla and paresthesia in the arm/breast.


CONCLUSIONS
These symptoms and physical limitations led to the difficulty or impossibility of performing work tasks, which also diminished work productivity, as well as the increase in time to return to work. The present results suggest higher unemployment rates and the need for modifying work conditions. Implication for Rehabilitation Health professionals should include risk assessment at daily routine to identify possible sources of physical impairments for upper limbs. Provide the support and orientations according to personal and job characteristics of the patient. Focus the aims of treatment over upper limbs impairments, reducing the prevalence and the gravity of symptoms.
a Health Sciences and Sports Center (CEFID), Santa Catarina State University (UDESC) , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil.
Kamilla
K
Zomkowski
a Health Sciences and Sports Center (CEFID), Santa Catarina State University (UDESC) , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil.
Bruna
B
Cruz de Souza
a Health Sciences and Sports Center (CEFID), Santa Catarina State University (UDESC) , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil.
Fabiana
F
Pinheiro da Silva
a Health Sciences and Sports Center (CEFID), Santa Catarina State University (UDESC) , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil.
Géssica Maria
GM
Moreira
a Health Sciences and Sports Center (CEFID), Santa Catarina State University (UDESC) , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil.
Natália
N
de Souza Cunha
a Health Sciences and Sports Center (CEFID), Santa Catarina State University (UDESC) , Florianópolis , SC , Brazil.
Fabiana Flores
FF
Sperandio
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000073116:Cancer Survivors; D005221:Fatigue / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000503:physiopathology; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000503:physiopathology; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000503:physiopathology; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology
Breast neoplasms; physical impairments; rehabilitation; work