Cancer rehabilitation has been defined in the scientific literature as a distinct field of medicine that focuses on reducing or eliminating side-effects of cancer treatment and improving survivors' strength, ability to function and quality of life
Using an interdisciplinary model of care, professionals identify patients’ goals, improve their function, develop a patient and family centered plan of care that accounts for medical, physical, psychological and social components
The aim is helping patients improve their cancer-related symptoms and treatment side effects, while promoting optimal patient function at home, work and in the community
Additionally, cancer rehabilitation physicians work on identifying musculoskeletal and neurologic problems and treat them with a variety of treatments including medications, procedures and therapy
Some of those procedures include, but are not limited to, various types of injections and other procedures
Therapeutic exercises include those guided by physical, occupational and speech therapists to work on specific motor or cognitive impairments as well as difficulties performing activities of daily living (ADLs) (dressing, bathing, toileting etc.) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as house cleaning, shopping, etc.
However, patient-driven general exercise to maintain or improve endurance and overall functional status is also an important component of the rehabilitation process
Because cancer patients’ problems typically are complex and survivors have a high likelihood of developing physical, mental and functional issues, rehabilitation experts have recommended that cancer rehabilitation be integrated in oncology care early on
Several clinical articles have highlighted the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions before, during, and after cancer treatment to screen for, assess, and treat patients’ functional needs
