Resumo Introdução: O câncer de mama é um problema para a saúde pública devido ao alto número de incidência. Seu tratamento muitas vezes mutilador pode trazer sérios problemas na imagem corporal e na função sexual dessas mulheres. A dança do ventre vem como uma opção passível para melhorar a feminilidade dessas mulheres. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito da prática da dança do ventre na função sexual e na imagem corporal de pacientes em tratamento adjuvante de hormonioterapia para o câncer de mama em Santa Catarina. Métodos: O ensaio clínico randomizado de dois braços foi realizado com 24 mulheres (60 ± 10,4 anos) diagnosticadas com câncer de mama, sendo 11 no grupo de intervenção (GI) e 13 no grupo controle (GC). Utilizou-se um questionário avaliando características pessoais e clínicas, imagem corporal BIBCQ e função sexual FSFI. Resultados: Na escala de imagem corporal, nos domínios estigma corporal (p = 0,002) e preocupações com o corpo (p = 0,017), foram encontradas diferenças significativas intergrupo, com melhor imagem corporal para o GI no período pós-intervenção quando comparado ao GC. Na função sexual não foram encontradas diferenças significativas. Conclusão: Percebe-se a importância do exercício físico como a dança do ventre a fim de auxiliar na melhora da imagem corporal de pacientes com câncer de mama em tratamento adjuvante com hormonioterapia.

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer is a public health problem because of its high incidence. Its often-mutilating treatment can cause serious problems with regard to body image and sexual function in these women. Belly dancing is a possible option to improve the femininity of these women. Objective: The aim of this two-arm randomized study was to determine the effect of practicing belly dancing on sexual function and body image in breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Methods: The study randomized 24 women (60 ± 10.4 years old) diagnosed with breast cancer, 11 in the intervention group (IG) and 13 in the control group (CG). A questionnaire was used to evaluate personal and clinical characteristics, body image (BIBCQ), and sexual function (FSFI). Results: On the body image scale, in the domains of body stigma (p = 0.002) and body concerns (p = 0.017), significant intergroup differences were found, with better body image for the IG in the post-intervention period when compared to the CG. In sexual function, no significant differences were found. Conclusion: Belly dancing as physical exercise helps improve body image in patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant treatment with hormone therapy.

The objective of the study was to compare the physical activity, fatigue and quality of life of patients during breast cancer treatment and to investigate the association between these variables. It was included 122 women in clinical treatment at the Cancer Research Center (CEPON) in Florianópolis, SC. We used a questionnaire with general information, physical activity (IPAQ - short), fatigue (Piper fatigue) and quality of life (EORTC QLQ - C30). One-way ANOVA with Scheffe's post-hoc, Chi-square, and univariate and multiple linear regression (p <0.05) were used. It was observed a greater walking time and total physical activity for the patients in the hormone therapy. In the fatigue, worse scores were presented by the patients in the chemotherapy. In the quality of life, there was a difference in the symptomatic scale, with worse scores on the subscales of nausea and vomiting, pain and loss of appetite for patients on chemotherapy and constipation for radiotherapy. It was identified an association between the increase of the physical activity with the improvement of the physical, social function and symptoms of the fatigue, regardless of the type of treatment or age. Patients in the hormone therapy practiced more physical activity, and those in chemotherapy had worse side effects. It is necessary to encourage physical activity during treatment, since benefits in quality of life and fatigue are evidenced.