Cancer rehab – what you need to know
Cancer rehabilitation is care that focuses on a person’s physical, mental and emotional functioning with cancer. Rehabilitation can be started at any time following a cancer diagnosis either before, during or after treatment. It can be beneficial for people with any type or any stage of cancer.
Rehabilitation has been a standard part of care for people suffering heart attacks or joint injuries for example, for many years, but cancer rehabilitation is a fairly new concept. Unfortunately that means that many people are unaware of how it could benefit them.
Now, with the improvements in treatment, a growing number of cancer survivors are having to cope with long-term side effects, so the need for effective rehabilitation is growing too. According to research from Macmillan in October 2022, it is estimated that there are currently 3 million people living with cancer in the UK. This is expected to rise to 3.5 million by 2025, 4million by 2030 and 5.3 million by 2040. Studies have shown that a significant number of these will experience both short-term and long-term side effects that interfere with their quality of life. I want to be at the forefront of helping people to improve these side effects.
How do you know if cancer rehabilitation could help you?
It’s quite simple. You should consider cancer rehabilitation if you have noticed a change that makes you less active or makes every day tasks more difficult. It’s important to address any issues you notice as soon as possible so they don’t worsen. For example many people have problems reaching overhead following surgery or radiotherapy. While it may just feel like a minor inconvenience at first, it commonly leads to using the arms and shoulders less and causing them to become weaker and stiffer over time.
Common problems that cancer rehabilitation can help with…
- Pain, swelling and weakness
- Range of motion and flexibility issues
- Balance problems
- Weight changes
- Sleep issues
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty thinking clearly (“brain fog” or “chemo fog/brain”
- Anxiety, stress and depression
- Social interaction and engagement
Why choose a cancer rehabilitation specialist?
You need support from a professional who understands the effects of cancer and cancer treatment and who has experience adapting exercise and nutrition to your specific needs. It’s important that your coach understands your specific treatment(s) and how they affect you. It’s important that your coach knows and understands the side effects that make certain tasks more difficult, and how to work around them so you can keep progressing. Some common examples that untrained coaches may not understand include:
- Balance problems and risk of falls
- Changes to nails
- Pressure sores and skin problems
- PICC lines
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Cramps
- Taste and smell changes
- Change in appetite
- Dehydration
- Mouth dryness, sores and ulcers
Working with a cancer rehabilitation specialist means that you will be treat with understanding, kindness and respect. you will never be pushed too hard. All your movement will be appropriate to your needs and abilities ON THE DAY. You will be professionally supported to be able to overcome all of the barriers and complications to make sure that you get through your treatment with the minimum possible impact on your health and quality of life.
Still have questions?
Please get in touch if you have any questions at all, I’d be really happy to discuss the program or any other issues with you.