With advancements in cancer treatment, the number of cancer survivors is rapidly increasing, leading to a higher demand for oncology rehab services. As cancer shifts from being a critical diagnosis to a chronic condition, ongoing rehabilitation care becomes essential.
A comprehensive oncology rehab concept, caring for the whole person including their physical and psychological well-being is required to address the unmet needs of cancer survivors.
Furthermore, research has demonstrated that oncology rehab has the potential to improve survival rates for cancer survivors and their quality of life.
What is Oncology Rehabilitation?
Oncology rehabilitation is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on helping cancer patients and survivors maintain or regain physical, emotional, and social well-being during and after cancer treatment. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional counselling, pain management, and psychological support. The goal is to address treatment side effects, improve function and quality of life, and promote overall wellness throughout the cancer journey.
Conditions Treated in Our Cancer Rehabilitation Centers
Lymphedema: Swelling caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid, typically after lymph node removal or radiation therapy.
Neuropathy: Nerve damage that results in tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain, often linked to certain chemotherapy medications.
Musculoskeletal problems: Weakness, stiffness, or restricted movement due to surgery, radiation, or extended inactivity during cancer treatment.
Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion or lack of energy that can severely affect daily activities and overall quality of life.
Cognitive challenges: Memory issues, concentration difficulties, or “chemo brain” experienced by some cancer survivors.
Pain: Acute or chronic pain stemming from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or pressure from tumors on nerves or organs.
Speech and swallowing challenges: Impaired speech or difficulty swallowing as a result of treatment effects on the mouth, throat, or vocal cords.
Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or difficulty adjusting to the challenges of cancer diagnosis, treatment, or survivorship.
Who can Benefit from our Oncology Rehabilitation Centers?
- Cancer patients undergoing treatment: Oncology Rehab interventions can help manage treatment side effects, maintain physical function, and improve quality of life during active cancer treatment.
- Cancer survivors: Individuals who have completed cancer treatment may benefit from oncology rehab to address persistent symptoms, improve function, and enhance overall wellness in survivorship.
- Individuals at risk of cancer-related complications: People with a history of cancer treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, may benefit from rehabilitation to prevent or manage long-term complications such as lymphedema, neuropathy, or musculoskeletal issues.
- Patients undergoing radiotherapy/chemotherapy: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy often cause side effects such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, neuropathy, and musculoskeletal issues. Oncology rehab can help patients manage these side effects, maintain strength and mobility, address complications, and support overall well-being during and after treatment.
- Palliative care patients: Oncology rehab can be integrated into palliative care to address symptoms, improve comfort, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with advanced or terminal cancer.
- Caregivers: Family members or caregivers of cancer patients may also benefit from rehabilitation services to learn techniques for providing support, managing caregiving-related stress, and maintaining their own physical and emotional well-being.
HCAH Team at the Onco Rehab Centers
A multidisciplinary team for oncology rehabilitation typically includes professionals from various healthcare disciplines who collaborate to address the diverse needs of cancer patients and survivors. Here are the key members of such a team:
Physiatrist: Leads the rehabilitation team and oversees the comprehensive care of patients, including assessment, treatment planning, and coordination of services.
Physical Therapist (PT): Designs and implements exercise programs to improve strength, mobility, balance, and endurance. Helps patients regain physical function, manage pain, and prevent complications related to cancer treatment.
Checkout a cancer patient’s successful recovery at the HCAH rehabilitation center:
Occupational Therapist (OT): Focuses on helping patients perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, grooming, and cooking, independently and safely. Provides interventions to improve fine motor skills, cognitive function, and energy conservation.
Speech and Swallow Pathologist (SLP): Assesses and treats speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders caused by cancer treatment, particularly relevant for patients with head and neck cancer or neurological complications.
Dietitian: Offers nutritional counselling and guidance to help patients maintain adequate nutrition, manage weight changes, alleviate treatment-related side effects, and promote overall health and well-being.
Psychologist: Provides psychological support, counselling, and coping strategies to help patients and their families navigate the emotional challenges of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Nurse: Provides ongoing monitoring, education, and support to patients and their families, coordinates care between different healthcare providers, and assists with symptom management and medication management.
By bringing together expertise from these various disciplines, a multidisciplinary team for oncology rehabilitation can address the complex and multifaceted needs of cancer patients and survivors, optimize outcomes, and enhance quality of life throughout the cancer journey.