This weekend saw a controversial moment on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing when contestant Anastacia was unable to compete in the dance-off, leaving her fellow competitor at the mercy of the viewers’ votes. For the first time in its history, Strictly’s judges were unable to have their say as the show’s rules state that where a dance-off cannot go ahead, the couple with the fewest votes is eliminated. You might wonder why this is making news here at Warwick CTU, and the answer lies in the reason for Anastacia’s inability to perform her dance: the media reported that the scar tissue from her previous breast cancer surgery ‘tore’ during training. Although we do not know the exact mechanisms behind her injury, nor the details of her medical care, we know that difficulties with arm movement are common after breast cancer surgery and related treatment. Some women find they are no longer able to perform simple tasks such as lifting their pets or children, or reaching for something on a high shelf.

This very issue is being explored in a clinical trial at Warwick, which is comparing the outcome of supervised physiotherapy after breast cancer surgery, with standard care (information leaflet only). The PRevention Of Shoulder ProblEms tRial (PROSPER) is investigating whether the provision of early physiotherapy and supported self-care after surgery can improve the quality of life of women living beyond breast cancer, as well as reduce complications and the need for future NHS care.

www.warwick.ac.uk/go/prosper

prosper@warwick.ac.uk