Open AccessSupporting an Athlete With Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Author(s) -
Aisling Barry,
Daniel Santa Mina,
David Langelier,
Philip Wong,
Christine Koch
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of patient experience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2374-3743
pISSN - 2374-3735
DOI - 10.1177/23743735221077539
Subject(s) - athletes , breast cancer , medicine , cancer , quality of life (healthcare) , rehabilitation , physical therapy , cancer treatment , cancer survivor , intensive care medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , nursing
For cancer survivors who also identify as athletes, a rigorous exercise that was once part of their daily routine and fundamental to their physical, psychological, and potentially financial well-being, may be temporarily or permanently altered in ways that exacerbate cancer-related changes in quality of life. This report presents an illustrative case of an endurance athlete who underwent breast cancer treatment and her subsequent return to high-performance, high elevation sport. We identify gaps in oncology research and patient educational tools to counsel athletes with cancer regarding the acute and long-term effects of cancer treatment and possibility of returning to a precancer level of fitness and performance. The report also highlights the need to tailor individualized cancer care treatment, rehabilitation, and the ability to preempt potential clinical and psychological side effects that may substantially impact training and competition.