TITL Effects of grip strengthening exercises on hand functions in post-operative breast carcinoma patients. INTRODUCTION :- Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the breast tissue. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone. There are several types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. Risk factors for breast cancer include being female, increasing age, family history of breast cancer, certain gene mutations, personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast conditions, and exposure to estrogen. Breast cancer can be diagnosed through a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and biopsies. Treatment for breast cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s preferences. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches . Breast cancer screening, early detection, and treatment have improved significantly over the past few decades, leading to better outcomes for many patients. However, breast cancer remains a significant public health concern, and ongoing research is needed to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. The epidemiology of breast cancer includes the incidence, mortality, and prevalence rates of the disease, as well as its risk factors and distribution across different populations. In 2020, there were an estimated 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer globally, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide3. The incidence of breast cancer varies across different regions and countries, with higher rates reported in developed countries such as the United States, Canada, and Europe, and lower rates reported in less developed regions such as Africa and South Asia. The mortality rate of breast cancer has been declining in many countries, likely due to improvements screening, early detection, and treatment. However, breast cancer still accounts for a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths among women. In 2020, there were an estimated 685,000 deaths from breast cancer worldwide. Breast cancer and its treatment can have significant physical and emotional effects on a patient’s activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs refer to the basic self-care activities that individuals perform on a daily basis, including bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, toileting, and mobility. Breast cancer surgery, such as a mastectomy or lumpectomy, can impact a patient’s ability to perform certain ADLs, particularly in the immediate postoperative period. For example, patients may experience pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected arm, which can make it difficult to perform tasks such as dressing and grooming. In addition, radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause fatigue, nausea, and other side effects that may interfere with a patient’s ability to perform ADLs. Emotional distress and anxiety are also common among breast cancer patients, which can affect their motivation and ability to carry out ADLs . Inclusion criteria: Women who have undergone surgical management for breast cancer Age 18 to 70 Exclusion criteria: Have recent history of hand, wrist, or forearm injuries other impairments of upper extremity Outcome measures: Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE)(15 items) Jebsen Taylor Hand function test Hand grip dynamometer Pinch gauge dynamometer Visual Analogue Scale |