Cancer rehabilitation

About this approach

Cancer rehabilitation helps people regain or preserve abilities affected by cancer and its treatment. Goals may include walking safely, using an arm after surgery, managing weakness, returning to work or completing everyday tasks with less difficulty. A rehabilitation clinician assesses the problem and coordinates physical, occupational or other therapies as needed. Rehabilitation can begin during treatment rather than waiting until everything is finished, and its goals can be adapted for people living with advanced disease.

Where it fits: Restore or maintain function during and after cancer care

Where this treatment is used

Rehabilitation is a recognized clinical service focused on function and participation. Its content depends on the impairment: a person with poor balance may need different treatment from someone with shoulder stiffness, swallowing difficulty or reduced endurance. Hospital services commonly combine specialist assessment with tailored exercises, equipment, education and changes to daily routines. These interventions are intended to improve specific abilities and quality of life; they are not substitutes for treatment directed at the cancer. Progress should be judged against practical goals chosen with the patient, rather than a universal recovery timetable. Referral requirements and the availability of outpatient, inpatient or home-based therapy vary between providers and health systems.

Procedure and practical considerations

A program needs to account for recent surgery, fragile bones, neuropathy, wounds and current treatment effects. The therapist should know about movement restrictions and changes in medical status before progressing exercises or manual techniques. Pain that is new or worsening, dizziness or unexpected breathlessness should prompt reassessment.

Cancer guides that discuss this treatment

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Clinics reporting this approach

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