Cancer rehabilitation is the process that assists a person with cancer in obtaining maximum physical, social, psychological, and work-related functioning during and after cancer treatment. Doctor-supervised cancer rehabilitation can provide an invaluable source of support to patients and their families and allow them to regain control over many aspects of their lives and remain as independent and productive as possible.

Rehabilitation may be of great value to many patients with cancer, regardless of type or stage of cancer. Health-care professionals involved in cancer rehabilitation are all committed to one goal: to help an individual return to the highest level of function and independence as possible and to ensure the patient experiences the best possible quality of life.

How is cancer rehabilitation effective?

Each person with cancer has unique physical and emotional needs. Cancer rehabilitation focuses on regaining physical function and independence, often following surgical and medical therapies that may have left an individual unable to resume his or her prior lifestyle without some level of assistance. Goals are based on individual needs and, ideally, should be attainable within a reasonable amount of time to be the most productive. Patients and family members are encouraged to be active, fully-informed partners in the rehabilitation process and seek out the services they need. Many cancer centers and hospitals offer a variety of cancer rehabilitation services to their patients, or are willing to help them identify local resources to assist with rehabilitation.

Cancer rehabilitation may improve quality of life by:

• Reducing pain through the use of medications and pain management techniques
  
  
• Improving dietary habits through nutritional counseling
  
  
• Improving physical condition and performance levels through exercise programs that help to build strength, endurance, and mobility
  
  
• Providing smoking cessation education and support
  
  
• Improving social, emotional, and mental functioning through patient and family education and counseling on stress, anxiety, and depression management
  
  
• Providing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, cooking, and basic housekeeping
  
  
• Reducing sleep problems
  
  
• Reducing the number of hospitalizations
  
  
• Maximizing physical strengths to compensate for limitations
  
  
• Reducing dependency on caretakers in the home and fostering independence
  
  
• Helping the patient to adjust to actual, perceived, and potential losses

The cancer rehabilitation team

Comprehensive cancer rehabilitation is provided by a team of health-care professionals from many disciplines who work closely together. The team helps a patient adapt to his or her situation whether the changes are temporary or permanent. These professionals may include any/all of the following:

Oncologist. An oncologist is a physician who specializes in the care and treatment of people with cancer. He or she may be responsible for coordinating the cancer rehabilitation team.

Physiatrist and other specialty doctors. A physiatrist is a doctor who specializes in evaluating and treating individuals with a disease such as cancer, other conditions, or injury that has impaired their level of functioning.

Rehabilitation nurse. A rehabilitation nurse specializes in assisting individuals with a chronic illness, disability, or injury to restore normal functioning and adjust to a changed environment or lifestyle. Rehabilitation nurses work with patients to increase independence and reduce potential complications following cancer treatment. Rehabilitation nurses may provide patient and family education and counseling, and assist in case management.

Registered dietitian/nutritionist. A registered dietitian (RD) helps identify the specific nutritional needs of a person during or following cancer treatment. Dietitians may provide nutritional counseling; develop meal plans; and monitor the body weight, caloric, and dietary needs of a person with cancer.

Physical therapist. A physical therapist specializes in the evaluation and treatment of disorders or injuries that affect human motion. Physical therapists work with patients to help restore mobility and physical functioning, while preventing further disability. This service may be particularly important for individuals who have lost muscle tone as a result of prolonged bed rest, have trouble with balance, or need to use canes or other assistive devices as a result of their cancer treatment.

Occupational therapist. An occupational therapist also specializes in the evaluation and treatment of disorders or injuries that affect motion, often focusing on upper extremity disorders. An example involves the use of the arm and shoulder after surgery for breast cancer and prevention of lymphedema. In addition, occupational therapists are trained to evaluate the layout of the home, school, or workplace to increase patients' mobility and assist with activities of daily living.

Recreational therapist. A recreational therapist helps patients build confidence and strengthen personal skills. They often use games, exercise, arts, crafts, and music in order to encourage the patient to become active and engaged.

Psychologist/psychiatrist. A psychologist, psychiatrist, and other mental health professionals work to address the emotional, psychological, and behavioral needs of the patient and family. These may be longstanding or have resulted from the illness and consequences of treatments. These mental health professionals can help patients process their experience and find ways of coming to terms with multiple losses.

Social worker. A social worker often provides professional counseling to help patients and families adjust to physical, social, financial, and psychological changes. Social workers may help to find local community resources, including financial resources and support groups, and assist with discharge planning and case management.

Case manager. A case manager helps to design and monitor the cancer rehabilitation program. Case managers often act as the liaison between the patient, the cancer rehabilitation team, and the insurance provider.

Clergy member/chaplain. A clergy member and/or chaplain works as a spiritual counselor to help patients and families through difficult situations or periods of crisis.

Vocational counselor. A vocational counselor specializes in helping individuals with an illness or disability find and keep satisfying jobs. This is very important for those who may no longer be able to return to their prior occupation as a result of physical and emotional limitations.

Home-health aide. A home-health aide provides care in the home to individuals with an illness, disability, or injury. They may assist with activities of daily living, administer medications, and provide emotional support for patients. Many individuals need round-the-clock care as a result of cancer treatment. Home-health aides may allow family caregivers some rest periods during the day and help ensure the safety of the person who is ill by providing assistance with bathing, eating, or mobility.

Additional resources

American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

American Cancer Society: Coping with Physical and Emotional Changes

American Cancer Society: Rehabilitation

CancerCare: Your Health-Care Team: Your Doctor is Only the Beginning

CancerCare: How to Find Resources in Your Own Community if You Have Cancer

Lance Armstrong Foundation: Physical Rehabilitation

Lance Armstrong Foundation: Assisted Living and Nursing Home Facilities