Starting shoulder exercises soon after surgery for breast cancer can result in a significant improvement in recovery of movement, according to Australian researchers.

They said upper-limb dysfunction was a common side effect of breast cancer surgery.

The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition is thrilled its chairperson, Elisabeth Burgess (Libby), has been recognised in the 2011 New Year’s Honours.

Ms Burgess has become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her work with women, their families and communities affected by breast cancer.

The Coalition’s deputy chair, Dr Chris Walsh, says the award is well-deserved.