IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR WOMEN AND HEALTHY WOMEN IN TERMS OF BALANCE FUNCTIONS?

Abstract

Purpose: Various physical problems and balance disorders are observed after mastectomy surgery in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). The study aimed to compare the balance functions in BCS women who had a mastectomy with healthy women. Methods: Sixty-six individuals, BCSs (study group, n=33) and healthy (control group, n=33) women were included. Subjective balance problems and falling characteristics, static balance (Tandem Romberg Test-TRT) and, dynamic balance (Y Balance Test-YDT and computer-based dynamic balance platform-Technobody) were used in this study as outcome measures to compare the groups. Results: The individuals in the study group (48.48%) experienced more balance problems than the control group (6.06%), but there was no difference between the two groups in terms of falling characteristics. Static balance (TRT) eyes-closed results were lower in the study group than the control group (t=-2.21, p=0.03), but there was no difference between the groups in TRT eyes-open results. There was no difference in any sub-parameter in dynamic balance measurements between the groups. Conclusion: Subjective balance problems and static balance functions are affected more in BCSs than in healthy individuals. It is recommended that balance functions should be evaluated and followed up with appropriate treatment methods in BCS women who had a mastectomy.