Postural and Balance Problems in Breast Cancer Survivors and Managing Options

Breast cancer treatment encompasses radical methods, including surgery, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, which can have significant effects such as pain, lymphedema, neuropathy, and muscle weakness in the body. However, among the notable challenges, postural and balance disorders stand out, especially due to their functional impacts on daily life. Specifically, postural alterations in the head, neck, and thoracic region may arise early after surgery, while postural disorders in the lumbar and pelvic regions may manifest in the long term. Additionally, balance and postural control disturbances emerge, leading to functional limitations. Managing of these issues requires a comprehensive, long-term treatment program adopting a multidimensional treatment approach following medical and surgical interventions. Breast surgery and complementary approaches are highlighted for addressing postural and balance disorders. Breast reconstruction surgeries have corrective effects on posture, especially in patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy. However, appropriate physiotherapy approaches and exercise programs should be included in treatment programs to ensure improvement and permanence for both posture and balance. Early-stage interventions focusing on joint mobility and posture correction exercises, supported by strength training exercises in the long term, should be integrated as part of daily life. Additionally, postural correction exercises such as Pilates and yoga, along with balance-based exercise practices, should be considered as supportive approaches.