What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer happens when abnormal cells in the breast grow in an uncontrolled way. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.

Breast cancer treatment can affect:

• shoulder and upper body movement

• chest wall comfort and flexibility

• posture

• fatigue and endurance

• daily routines and confidence with movement

• swelling or lymphoedema risk after some treatments
  
  

What is the BRCA gene?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that normally help repair DNA damage. When a person has an inherited harmful change in one of these genes, their risk of breast and some other cancers is higher than average. If a parent carries a BRCA mutation, there is a 50% chance of passing that mutation on to a child.

A BRCA gene mutation does not mean a person definitely has cancer, but it may change screening, medical advice and decision-making around prevention or treatment. Risk-reducing surgery, including mastectomy, may be offered to some people at very high risk.

How breast cancer or BRCA-related treatment may affect daily function

Depending on the person’s situation, breast cancer treatment or risk-reducing surgery may affect:

• shoulder movement

• chest and upper body tightness

• scar sensitivity

• fatigue and reduced physical stamina

• lifting, reaching and self-care

• return to work or usual routines

• confidence with exercise or activity

• swelling or lymphoedema in some cases

Cancer Council Australia notes that lymphoedema can occur after cancer treatment when lymph nodes are removed or damaged.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support people affected by breast cancer or BRCA-related surgery where there are goals related to shoulder movement, upper body function, posture, mobility, scar-related tightness, physical confidence or return to activity. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• gentle movement and mobility support

• shoulder range of motion exercises

• posture and upper body movement retraining

• scar-related management advice

• gradual return-to-activity planning

• stretching and physical recovery support

• fatigue-aware exercise progression
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may be relevant when treatment or recovery is affecting daily living, self-care, fatigue management, upper limb function, routines or return to work and home tasks. OT may include:

• strategies for dressing, showering and other daily tasks

• pacing and energy conservation

• home or work routine support

• equipment or adaptive strategies where appropriate
  
  

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people who are medically cleared for exercise and want support with graded return to exercise, physical reconditioning, endurance or general strength during or after recovery.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not usually relevant to routine breast cancer or BRCA-related recovery unless there is a separate communication or swallowing issue unrelated to the breast or chest surgery itself.

Lymphoedema and swelling considerations

Some people are at risk of lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment, particularly if lymph nodes have been removed or treated with radiotherapy. Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid and may affect the arm, breast, chest, shoulder or hand.

It is important to use careful wording here:

• not everyone develops lymphoedema

• swelling should be assessed early if it appears

• treatment and management depend on the person’s symptoms and broader medical situation

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how breast cancer treatment, recovery or BRCA-related surgery is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

improving shoulder and upper body movement

reducing fear or hesitancy around movement

supporting posture and comfort

helping with return to daily tasks

pacing recovery safely

supporting confidence with exercise and activity

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s GP, surgeon, oncology team or broader medical supports where appropriate.

FAQ

What is the BRCA gene?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes involved in DNA repair. Harmful inherited changes in these genes increase the risk of breast and some other cancers.

Does having a BRCA gene mutation mean I will get breast cancer?

No. A BRCA gene mutation increases risk, but it does not mean cancer is certain. Medical teams may discuss increased screening, medicines or surgery depending on the person’s situation.

Can physiotherapy help after breast cancer surgery?

Yes. Physiotherapy may help support shoulder movement, upper body mobility, posture, scar-related tightness, confidence with movement and return to daily activities after surgery.

Can physiotherapy help after a risk-reducing mastectomy?

It may. Physiotherapy may support movement, posture, upper body recovery and gradual return to activity after risk-reducing surgery in people with BRCA-related cancer risk.

Can breast cancer treatment affect shoulder movement?

Yes. Surgery and other treatment can affect shoulder movement, upper body comfort and posture, particularly in the early recovery phase.

What is lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment?

Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid. It can happen after cancer treatment when lymph nodes are removed or damaged. It may affect the arm, breast, chest or surrounding area.

Does everyone get lymphoedema after breast cancer surgery?

No. Not everyone develops lymphoedema, but the risk can increase when lymph nodes are removed or treated with radiotherapy.

Can I return to exercise after breast cancer treatment?

Often yes, but the timing and type of exercise should match the person’s recovery stage, medical advice and symptoms. A graded return is usually more appropriate than rushing back too quickly.

Can allied health treat breast cancer itself?

No. Breast cancer requires medical diagnosis and treatment. Allied health does not treat the cancer itself, but may support physical recovery, function, fatigue management and day-to-day quality of life.

If you are preparing for breast surgery, recovering after breast cancer treatment, or navigating BRCA-related surgery and would like support with movement, posture, shoulder function or return to activity, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

💗 Compassionate Care for Breast Cancer Survivors & BRCA-Positive Women

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide dedicated physiotherapy and rehabilitation support for women affected by breast cancer or who carry the BRCA gene mutation. Whether you’re navigating treatment, recovery, or a preventative path — we understand. Not just clinically, but personally.

This is a cause close to our hearts.

Our Director, Kirsty Bowering, carries the BRCA gene mutation and has personally undergone a preventative double mastectomy. Her journey has shaped the way we care — with empathy, education, and facilities designed to feel safe, private, and welcoming.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.