Oncology rehabilitation encompasses a range of therapies designed to promote energy, mobility, strength, and independence after cancer treatment. It includes modalities such as motion restoration for cancer survivors and supportive group therapy, depending on each individual’s needs. Explore the benefits of oncology rehabilitation and learn more about what to expect if you or a loved one requires support during cancer recovery.
Improved Function and Motion Restoration for Cancer Survivors: The Role of Oncology Rehabilitation
Complications Addressed by Oncology Rehabilitation
Oncology rehabilitation can help with many of the physical complications of cancer treatment. Providers address pain, muscle spasms, fatigue, cardiovascular function, breathing concerns, problems with speech, and issues with chewing or swallowing food. A study in the Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine reported that pain is common for cancer patients, increasing with the level of disease severity. About 73% lose strength during treatment.
Rehabilitation care also has benefits for cancer survivors experiencing mobility and functional limitations, sexual dysfunction, bladder or bowel incontinence, and cognitive concerns such as brain fog. It can help with side effects like neuropathy and lymphedema.
Types of Rehabilitation Therapy for Cancer Survivors
Oncology Physical Therapy
These professionals help you recover from the physical impact of cancer treatments. The goal of oncology physical therapy is to optimize mobility and restore quality of life. Exercise has wide-ranging benefits for survivors, including reduced pain, lower recurrence risk, better mood, better sleep, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved strength and endurance. The American Cancer Society recommends between 150 and 300 minutes of exercise weekly post-treatment.
Many cancer patients experience lymphedema, the accumulation of fluid in the extremities. Physical therapies help reduce the swelling and associated symptoms of lymphedema, which can interfere with mobility. If you need mobility assistance, a physical therapist can prescribe a device such as a brace, walker, or splint and help you learn how to use it effectively. They also perform compression bandaging, hot and cold therapy, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, and massage therapy.
Cardiopulmonary Oncology Rehabilitation
The American Heart Association reports that five years after surviving cancer, individuals have up to 3.6 times the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to people who have never had cancer. They are up to 18.5 times more likely to develop heart disease risk factors like hypertension. In addition, female survivors of childhood cancer have an elevated risk of having cardiac problems during pregnancy and delivering a preterm baby. Men who have had chemotherapy are more likely to develop coronary artery disease.
Clinical studies show that cancer patients and survivors could benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation program. Cardio-oncology rehabilitation reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and related complications with behavioral interventions, counseling, education, exercise programs, and regular visits with the healthcare team. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important component of recovery to alleviate breathing problems for survivors of lung cancer.
Occupational Therapy
An occupational therapist can help you return to work, school, hobbies, and other activities during cancer recovery. They’ll recommend strategies to promote energy conservation and manage fatigue. About 13% of cancer survivors remain disabled after treatment and do not return to work, so this group could significantly benefit from OT services.
Depending on the extent of health concerns, occupational therapy may also focus on ways to effectively feed yourself, shower, and perform other necessary activities of daily living. A therapist can also help you learn to use assistive devices, such as a wheelchair or walker.
Speech and Language Therapy
You may benefit from speech and language therapy if you have difficulty speaking or communicating after cancer treatment. This type of therapist can also assist with swallowing issues, a common concern known as dysphagia. For example, some drugs used to treat thyroid cancer cause cavities, salivary gland damage, and dry mouth, which can increase a person’s risk of becoming malnourished.
Nutrition Support
Working with a registered dietitian can ensure you get the necessary nutrition to support a healthy cancer recovery. The nutrition team will create a personalized eating plan that accounts for concerns such as weight management and cardiac health. They can also help you learn strategies to eat effectively if you’re struggling with dysphagia. Nutrition support is especially important to prevent malnutrition in survivors of head and neck cancer.
Psychological Support
Mental health providers such as psychiatrists and therapists can help with the lasting emotional impact of cancer treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates that up to 30% of long-term breast cancer survivors struggle with negative body image, while colorectal cancer survivors have a significantly elevated rate of depression. A study in the Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine found that up to 20% of people who have cancer develop depression.
In addition, up to 15% of cancer patients meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder within five years of diagnosis. Sexual counseling can help couples who struggle with intimacy after one partner recovers from cancer. The ARM study reported that more than 63% of patients who received this type of therapy experienced improved sexual relationships.
Benefits of Oncology Rehabilitation
According to an article published by the Journal of Cancer Rehabilitation, clinical evidence strongly supports the benefits of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and occupational therapies for cancer survivors.
Improved Cardiovascular Fitness and Reduced Fatigue
As reported by the AHA, a study of 152 breast cancer patients highlights the benefits of a supervised resistance and aerobic exercise training program. Participants showed significant improvements in heart health as well as less fatigue and better overall quality of life.
Enhanced Strength and Stamina
Another study looked at 258 cancer survivors between two and four years after diagnosis. Participants attended supervised aerobic training for 12 weeks and strength training sessions two days a week. After completing this program, they displayed higher levels of arm strength, better maximum leg press scores, and improved ability to walk for at least six minutes.
Is Oncology Rehab Right for You or a Loved One?
Cancer survivors can benefit from oncology rehabilitation if they experience symptoms such as pain, weakness, and fatigue that make everyday activities difficult or hamper mobility. The American Cancer Society also recommends entering a rehab program if you notice cognitive issues such as trouble thinking, focusing, and remembering. Keep in mind that it’s never too late to seek medical help for issues like lymphedema, which can arise months or even years after cancer surgery.
What to Expect During Oncological Rehab
When you enter this type of rehabilitation program, you’ll work with a healthcare provider to make a care plan that encompasses your needs. They will connect you with the necessary professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and other specialty providers.
When you attend your first rehab session, write a list of questions to ask the provider. They can give you the information you need for a healthy recovery. During the initial assessment, the provider will talk openly with you about your functional limitations, goals for treatment, primary concerns, and other areas to ensure that the care plan reflects your health needs and priorities. According to the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. has more than 18 million cancer survivors, representing about 5.4% of the population.
As more people survive cancer than ever before, oncology rehabilitation will become even more important to help survivors return to a new normal and achieve their recovery goals. Currently, the ACS estimates that only about 2% of individuals receive the comprehensive rehab support they need after cancer treatment.
