Rehabilitation of Individuals With Cancer

Abstract

The survival rate of cancer is increasing as treatment improves. As patients with cancer now live longer, impairments may arise that impact quality of life (QOL) and function. Therefore, a focus on QOL is often as important as survival. An interdisciplinary team can achieve goal-oriented and patient-centered rehabilitation, which can optimize function and QOL, and minimize impairments, restrictions, and activity limitations. In most cases, cancer patients must be active participants in therapy and exhibit carryover. Patients with cancer often have impairments that include fatigue, pain, brain fog, impaired cognition, paresis, mood disorders, difficulty with activities of daily living (ADL), bowel/bladder/sexual dysfunction, and bone and soft tissue involvement. Adaptive equipment, exercise, and ADL training can mitigate restrictions on activity. The trajectory and phase of the disease along the continuum of cancer care may influence the goals of rehabilitation in that time window. QOL is often influenced by participation in vocational, recreational, and home-based activities. A holistic perspective should include an analysis of distress, socioeconomic barriers, and transportation limitations when addressing issues.

Cancer Rehabilitation Fact Sheet in Korea

“…Among the top 10 cancers, thyroid, stomach, colon, breast, prostate, and kidney cancers have 10-year relative survival rates of over 70%. Therefore, it is essential to support cancer survivors to ensure that they can live a dignified life and improve their QOL within the limitations of body function and activity [ 12 ]. The difficulties experienced by patients vary depending on the primary cancer lesion and treatment details (including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy); therefore, it is crucial to understand the unmet needs of each patient.…”

“…Radiation fibrosis syndrome (RFS) is another frequently observed complication of radiation therapy [ 12 ]. Radiation can damage the spinal cord, plexus, nerve roots, peripheral nerves, and muscles within the radiation field.…”

Recent Trends in Rehabilitation for Cancer Patients

“…Advances in early diagnosis and treatment have attributed to the prolonged lifespan of cancer patients [ 1 ]. Cancer diagnoses have increased to such an extent that it has been classified as a chronic disease and is considered a possible diagnosis within an individual’s lifespan [ 2 ].…”

“…Even so, cancer is still considered a rare and catastrophic disease [ 3 ]. For this reason, the physical complications caused by cancer and cancer treatments remain a relevant field of study [ 1 ].…”

“…In addition, the focus of rehabilitation during certain treatment phases is changing [ 21 ]. Rehabilitation programs focus on a specific period within the treatment schedule, such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with hematological cancer or rehabilitation in patients with advanced cancer [ 1 , 22 - 24 ].…”