Cascade of Disability in Breast and Gynecologic Cancer

Abstract Earlier detection and improved treatments have been very beneficial to improving survivorship from breast and gynecologic cancers. However, the combination of a person’s precancer level of health, other medical illnesses, cancer characteristics, and cancer-related physical impairments can all contribute to loss of function. This cascade of disability can lead to a decreased quality of life. It is important for rehabilitation clinicians to be able to identify the various layers of disability in this cascade phenomenon early and introduce interventions that can minimize functional loss.