Cancer is a universal term used for a large group of diseases, characterized by the disordered growth of cells beyond their usual limits, which can affect adjacent parts of the body and/or spread to other organs and tissues. Breast cancer worldwide is a major public health problem, being among all types of neoplasm the most common among women, regardless of age and ethnicity.
Treatment for breast cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or biological therapy. A number of factors are considered to determine the treatment and sequence of therapies. With advances in early detection and treatment of cancer, the survival rate has increased in more developed countries, reaching 85% in the first five years after diagnosis.
The survival of patients with breast cancer has increased, generating greater concern for the individual's overall well-being. Chemotherapy treatments can cause short or long-term cardiorespiratory limitations, reduced functional capacity and worse quality of life, making daily activities difficult for these patients.
