Breast Cancer Survivor Experience Of Rehabilitation Services In South Africa: Towards A Cancer Survivorship Plan

Abstract Purpose Integrated rehabilitation health care pathway are implemented to meet both physical and clinical needs of breast cancer survivors as they transition from treatment to survivorship. The aim of this study was to assess the current South African upper limb rehabilitation service, provision, and perspectives of these from the health professionals and the end users breast cancer survivor with upper limb disorder. Methods A sequential mixed-methods design informed this study. Service provision was evaluated via an online survey questionnaire completed by health practitioners working in public and private breast cancer units. Focus groups were conducted with both public health practitioners providing the services and breast cancer survivors accessing the services. Results This study has revealed a dearth of rehabilitation services for breast cancer survivors in the public health sector of South Africa. Data reveal an overstretched, understaffed and poorly trained public health sector, unable to deliver adequate upper limb services to breast cancer survivors. Focus group data suggests that this is due to financial austerity rather than poor recognition of the need. Poor patient education is driving poor upper limb outcomes and barriers to exercise behaviour. Conclusion The current South African upper limb rehabilitation services does not cater for the unmet needs of a breast cancer survivor leading to poor health outcomes.