Breast cancer: rehabilitation

This study revised articles from the MEDLINE (PubMed) databases and other research sources, with no time limit. To do so, the search strategy adopted was based on (P.I.C.O.) structured questions (from the initials “Patient”; “Intervention”; “Control” and “Outcome”. As keywords were used: Breast Neoplasm, Mastectomy, Mastectomy, Radical; Lymph Node Excision, Surgery, Lymphedema, Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema (BCRL); Arm/pathology, Postoperative Complications, Shouder Joint, Range of Motion, Articular*; Shoulder Joint/Radiation Effects, Drainage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Decongestive (MLD), Lymphatic Therapy (DLT), Massage, Compression Bandages, Bandages, Alginates*, Physical Therapy Modalities, Exercise, Exercise/Physiology*, Exercise Therapy, Exercise Training, Exercise Movement Techniques, Exercise Tolerance, Weight Lifting*, Kinesiotherapy, Musculoskeletal Manipulation, Prevention and Control, Primary Prevention, Postoperative Care, Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Recovery of Function, Disability Evaluation, Complications*, Survivor*, Neoplasm Recurrence; Immune System, Stress, Psychological; Quality of Life, Value of life, Sickness Impact Profile, Life Style, Risk, Risk Factors, Overweight, Diet, Food, Diet Therapy, Diet Reducing, Dietetics, Malnutrition, Nutrition Policy, Nutritional Sciences, Pressure*, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices, Hydrotherapy, Complementary Therapies, Cognitive Therapy, Mind-body Therapies, Mindfulness, Meditation, Psychotherapy, Psychophysics, Holistic Health, Adaptation, Psychological; Self-help Groups, Psychotherapy, Group*; Occupational Therapy, Social Support. With the above keywords crossings were performed according to the proposed theme in each topic of the (P.I.C.O.) questions. After analyzing this material, articles regarding the questions were selected and, by studying those, the evidences that fundamented the directives of this document were established.