Cancer can affect any system in the body, and it often impacts more than one organ or function. Various types of cancer represent completely different diseases. Moreover, individual cases and treatment trajectories are unique to each patient. This is why cancer treatment and rehabilitation can be pretty complex and extensive.
Over the course of treatment, one cancer patient may see several different care providers. Oncologists don’t always know about therapies that can be helpful at different stages of treatment. Cancer patients need to start working with an integrated care team early on to find rehab interventions that can provide fast relief.
In 2024, an estimated 2,001,140 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. Breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung and bronchial cancer, and colon cancer are only a few of the most common varieties. With a proactive plan for rehabilitation, more of these patients will see better outcomes during treatment and in the years to come.
This article covers the basics of cancer rehab. It also outlines how cancer rehab helps patients with the effects of cancer and aggressive treatments.
What is cancer rehabilitation?
Cancer rehabilitation helps survivors with symptoms caused by cancer and cancer treatments. These can include physical symptoms, limited mobility, and thinking and memory problems. It often starts long before patients finish treatment. Intensive therapy programs like ours at Ability KC take a holistic approach to wellness that includes more than exercise and therapies. We also incorporate neuropsychology and psychotherapy interventions. These support brain function and help you cope with the toughest transitions and challenges of battling cancer. And the other patients you’ll meet in group therapies will be a great source of peer support.
What can patients accomplish in cancer rehabilitation?
Building a relationship with a rehab team before your treatments are nearing completion can provide relief on a few levels. Of course, physical therapy can help you build strength and resilience. Occupational therapy can help you do more activities of daily living for yourself so you maintain your independence. We also care for your mental and social needs. We only want to provide coaching and recommendations that make sense for your life outside of treatment.
What symptoms and conditions can cancer rehabilitation help improve?
Pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and trouble maintaining a healthy lifestyle are common complaints among cancer survivors. Some of the most immediate benefits of physical therapy are reduction of pain and increased resilience.
Cancer rehabilitation can help patients with the following symptoms and conditions:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
- Neuropathy
- Heart disease
- Tendinopathies
- Memory, concentration and problem-solving difficulties
Learn more about cancer rehab at Ability KC
In a comprehensive cancer rehab program, you can rest assured that you’re doing everything you can to take care of your health and wellness. If you’ve noticed more pain recently or you’re less active because of your symptoms, it may be time to consider an outpatient rehab program. If you’re dealing with more extensive symptoms, our day rehab program may be a better fit.
Starting rehab before your symptoms get more intense ensures that you have support in place when you need it. You can trust Ability KC because we surpass national and international standards for outpatient rehab. We’re a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) with a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. We accept most insurance plans, and you can take a look at our online Admissions Guide right now.
Have questions about cancer rehab? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.