Breast cancer is incredibly common, and fortunately, one of the more treatable forms of cancer. Nevertheless, the impact breast cancer has on American society is staggering. The American Cancer Society's estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2016 are:

About 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
About 61,000 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
About 40,450 women will die from breast cancer.

Despite major advances in the treatment of breast cancer, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death in women (only lung cancer kills more women each year.) The chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 1 in 36 (about 3%). Mortality rates from breast cancer have been dropping since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of finding breast cancer earlier through screening and increased awareness, as well as better treatments.

For some, the road to recovery after treatment for breast cancer can be a long one and SOMA Movement Studio partnered with Farmington Valley Physical Therapy can be there to help. Bogusia Badon, a physical therapist on staff at both the SOMA Movement Studio and Farmington Valley Physical Therapy has over thirty years of experience rehabilitating clients after breast cancer surgery, reconstruction, and radiation treatment. In addition to being a physical therapist, she is also trained in Pilates and a certified Pink Ribbon Program Instructor, a Pilates-based exercise program specially designed to meet the needs and challenges facing breast cancer survivors.

To show our support for the breast cancer survivor community, SOMA Movement Studio has donated over $3800 in gift certificates to the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative for distribution at the annual Connecicut RACE IN THE PARK to be held in Walnut Park, New Britain on May 7th. Proceeds from this event go to CT Breast Health Initiative and are used make a difference locally in the fight against breast cancer through support, education and research. To accomplish this mission, CT BHI plans on funding a diversified portfolio of clinical/translational research with emphasis on programs that have not yet qualified for federal grants targeting breast cancer cause and survival.

The Connecticut RACE IN THE PARK takes place annually each May on the Saturday before Mother’s Day in New Britain’s historic Walnut Hill Park. Each year, thousands gather to participate in race day festivities and events while honoring survivors, remembering loved ones, celebrating life and most importantly, raising much needed funds to advance the fight against breast cancer in Connecticut. Click here for more information including registration instructions for the event.

The SOMA Movement Studio at Farmington Valley Physical Therapy is now an official instructor training center for the Pink Ribbon Program, a system of Pilates based exercises specifically designed for post-operative breast cancer recovery. The exercises help lengthen and strengthen the shoulder, chest, back and abdominal muscles, allowing women to regain full range of motion to those areas affected by breast cancer surgery.

The Pink Ribbon Program, founded by Doreen Puglisi, MS, was created to help meet the goals of the breast cancer survivor. These major areas of concern typically include body image, frozen shoulder, and/or range of motion, depression and anxiety.

This post-rehabilitation protocol is appropriate for any breast cancer survivor, whether their surgery was eight weeks ago or ten years ago. Over 1000 breast cancer survivors have used this exercise protocol to aid in surgery recovery.

Summary of the Six Week Exercise Program

Begins six weeks post-operatively, encompassing post op weeks 6-12
There are three phases of the Pink Ribbon Program, each phase lasts two weeks
Progression from one phase to the next is individually based
Classes/sessions are attended two to three times a week for most reliable results
The client generally can resume mainstream activities after completion of the six week Pink Ribbon Program

Benefits of the Pink Ribbon Program

Prevent and reduce cancer related fatigue
Increase muscle mass, strength and endurance
Increase in daily functional activities
Increase in physical activities
Assist in lymphedema management
Increase shoulder range of motion following breast cancer surgery, especially with lymph node dissection

The Pink Ribbon Program training is open to physical therapists, occupational therapists, Pilates instructors, lymphedema treatment specialists, and nurses. After completion of the Pink Ribbon Training Program, the practicioner can refer to themselves as a Post Operative Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist (BCES).

Post Operative Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist
The Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist (BCES) is a professional qualified to assess, design, and implement individual fitness programs for those diagnosed with cancer. The BCES has an advanced understanding of the cancer treatment progressions from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, prevention of lymphedema, and contraindications.

Please sign up for our newsletter to be alerted of when the next Pink Ribbon Program Training for Professionals is scheduled at SOMA Movement Center and Farmington Valley Physical Therapy.