CANCER REHABILITATION
The goal of cancer rehabilitation is to provide individuals with the tools they need to improve their quality of life. In many instances, this includes managing pain, fatigue and decreased activity levels, which are some of the common complaints of individuals affected by cancer.
WHAT IS CANCER REHABILITATION?
Cancer rehabilitation is a supportive healthcare program designed to help individuals manage the physical, mobility, and cognitive problems that often arise as a result of cancer and its treatment.
Cancer rehabilitation is provided by trained rehabilitation professionals and can be integrated throughout the oncology care continuum, from preventative measures to supportive care during treatment and follow-up, or palliative care for patients with advanced disease.
Stages of Cancer Rehabilitation
- Preventative Rehabilitation: Early intervention and exercise to identify potential impairments and prevent/delay complications related to cancer or treatments.
- Restorative Rehabilitation: Comprehensive therapy for cancer patients with the potential to attain full functional recovery, aiming to return to work or school.
- Supportive Rehabilitation: For patients with temporary or permanent deficits from cancer and/or treatments, and those with slowly progressive or chronic cancer, this focuses on re-establishing and maintaining functional independence.
- Palliative Rehabilitation: For patients with advanced disease, less intense rehabilitation may assist in patient comfort and reduce caregiver burden.
Goals of Cancer Rehabilitation :
Helping individuals stay as active as possible and participate in family, work, and other life roles
Lessen the side effects and symptoms of cancer and its treatment
Help individuals stay as independent as possible
Improve quality of life