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Pink Ribbon Walk 2026
Join us on 24 October at Punggol Digital District for Pink Ribbon Walk 2026. Take part in the physical walk, enjoy our roadshow, or show your support through the Virtual Walk.
Join us on 24 October at Punggol Digital District for Pink Ribbon Walk 2026. Take part in the physical walk, enjoy our roadshow, or show your support through the Virtual Walk.
Follow along with this set of exercises tailored for patients going through treatment or rehabilitation.
Exercise brings many benefits. Breast cancer patients and survivors may suffer weakness and restricted movement in their arms, shoulders, and other joints, as well as pain, stiffness and swelling. These conditions are mostly prevalent after breast surgery and during/after treatment.
The exercises listed are simple ones that you can do to mitigate such effects. However, before starting any exercise routine, please consult your doctor about the type of exercises suitable for you at various stages of your recovery.
Aside from helping to restore movement in the arms and shoulders, reduce swelling and control pain, the exercises also help with:
Starting exercise sooner than later will help you regain shoulder and arm movement more quickly than if you did not. Start with the simple exercises and gradually proceed to the more strenuous ones. When exercises become easier to perform, increase the number of sets you do, with short rests between sets.
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Please note that these exercises were formerly published in our collateral: Exercise After Breast Surgery. They have been reviewed by breast surgeons, breast care nurses and occupational therapists and are considered suitable for most people. If you are worried about doing any of these exercises, or experience a new or sharp pain while doing them, consult your doctor, breast care nurse or physiotherapist/occupational therapist.
These exercises can be performed immediately after surgery and as a warm up/cool down for strengthening and aerobic exercises.
To regain strength
To regain movement and reduce stiffness
To regain movement and reduce stiffness
To regain strength and movement
To regain movement
To regain movement
These exercises can be performed two or six weeks after surgery. Once strength and flexibility are regained, resistance bands and weights can be used to maintain and develop strength.
Note: Exercise should also be done lying on affected side when discomfort decreases
Note: Exercise should also be done holding stick/towel in the affected hand when discomfort decreases
Aerobic exercise is the way to improve endurance, burn more calories and fat. It also releases endorphins (hormones that are responsible for energising, calming and preventing depression).
Aerobic conditioning can be performed six to ten weeks after surgery, starting with a duration of five minutes and increasing gradually. Start by adding moderate walking to your stretching and strengthening exercises.
Once you are confident that your strength and endurance have increased, walk a little longer or a little faster or add other types of aerobic activity such as stationary biking or stair-stepping.
Our Healing Through the Arts Programme (“HTTA”) programme comprises of activities tailored for the women diagnosed with, and survivors of breast cancer. Volunteer instructors generally conduct the activities at the Breast Cancer Centre during the daytime.
Disclaimer
All the information provided on this website is correct at the time of edition and subject to revision without prior notice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material provided here is meant purely for educational purposes and may not be used as substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare professional if you have any questions related to your health or medical conditions.
