A.I. BURNASYAN FMBC CLINICAL BULLETIN

ISSN 2782-6430 (print)

State Research Center −Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical
Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency

The journal is published in Russian.
Format – A4.
The periodicity of the journal is 4 times a year.

Issue №2, 2026

A.I. Burnasyan  FMBC clinical bulletin. 2026 № 2

S.Yu. Kaushanskaya, Yu.D. Udalov, A.A. Zavialov

Rehabilatation of Patients with Stages I-III Breast Cancer After Specialized Treatment. Literature Review

International Office, State Research Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russiа

Contact person: Kaushanskaya Svetlana Yuryevna: kaushanskay78@mail.ru

 

Abstract
Rehabilitation of patients with breast cancer is an essential component of comprehensive treatment aimed at reducing complications, improving functional status, and enhancing survivors’ quality of life. This review summarizes recent literature (2022–2025) on multidisciplinary rehabilitation following surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Particular attention is given to physical rehabilitation, prevention and management of upper-limb lymphedema including complex decongestive therapy (CDT), psychosocial support, restoration of sexual health, cognitive rehabilitation, and occupational reintegration. Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses confirm the effectiveness of exercise programs, CDT, and psychological interventions in reducing pain, the risk of lymphedema, anxiety-depressive symptoms, and functional limitations, as well as in improving quality of life. Integration of personalized rehabilitation programs, digital health technologies, and long-term follow-up is considered a key factor in improving treatment outcomes and facilitating patients’ social adaptation.

Keywords: breast cancer, rehabilitation, quality of life, physical therapy, psychological suppor

For citation: Kaushanskaya SYu, Udalov YuD, Zavialov AA. Rehabilatation of Patients with Stages I-III Breast Cancer After Specialized Treatment. Literature Review. A.I. Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center Clinical Bulletin. 2026.2:79-87. (In Russian) DOI: 10.33266/2782-6430-2026-2-79-87

 

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Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Financing. The study had no sponsorship.
Contribution. Article was prepared with equal participation of the authors.
Article received: 23.01.2026. Accepted for publication: 25.02.2026

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