Abstract: Objective To explore the impact of symptom rehabilitation strategies on the recovery of postoperative breast cancer patients. Methods From June to August 2023, 140 postoperative breast cancer patients at Meizhou People's Hospital in Guangdong Province were randomly assigned to an observation group or a control group, with 70 patients each. The control group received routine care, while the observation group received additional symptom rehabilitation strategies. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Constant-Murley Shoulder Score Questionnaire, and a complication registration form were used to assess and compare upper limb mobility, shoulder joint dysfunction, and complication incidence before and after care in both groups. Results The observation group had significantly lower DASH scores and higher shoulder function scores for pain, range of motion, muscle strength, daily living ability, and local morphology compared to the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of complications such as lymphedema, subcutaneous effusion, axillary web syndrome, and poor wound healing was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05). Conclusion Symptom rehabilitation strategies effectively improve upper limb mobility and shoulder joint function while reducing complication rates in breast cancer surgery patients, making them valuable for clinical practice.

Key words: breast cancer, symptom management, rehabilitation, nursing