Short Communication...Therapeutic Values of Yoga and Qigong – Are These Exercises Suitable for Breast Cancer Survivors?

瑜珈和氣功的治療價值- 這兩種運動適合乳癌復康者嗎？

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in women. The mortality rate of breast cancer patients is rather low and the survival rate continues to increase worldwide (Siegel, Naishadham, & Jernal, 2012). However, conventional breast cancer treatments (e.g., mastectomy and radiotherapy) often lead to long-term physical impairments such as lymphedema and shoulder dysfunction (Cheville & Tchou, 2007). These side-effects may diminish the psychological well-being and quality of life of breast cancer survivors (Fong et al., 2013a). Promoting the health and well-being of this growing population has, therefore, become a major concern for healthcare professionals. (Abstract taken from first paragraph of document)