Health Information Library

Overview

Cancer rehabilitation is care that helps people with cancer maintain or restore function. It can help with side effects and other changes caused by cancer and cancer treatment.

You can have cancer rehabilitation before, during and after cancer treatment. It's often customized for your needs. Cancer rehabilitation might happen in the hospital if you need to stay in the hospital. Or it can happen in a healthcare professional's office or in your home.

Cancer rehabilitation can help people with active cancer and those who had treatment years ago. It also can help people with cancer that can't be cured and those facing the end of life.

Why it's done

Cancer rehabilitation helps people with cancer maintain or restore function.

Cancer rehabilitation can help people with cancer to:

• Build strength.
• Increase energy and stamina needed for everyday tasks.
• Find ways to make it easier to do the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating.
• Maintain or regain the ability to move limbs and joints with ease.
• Manage cancer-related symptoms, such as pain and fatigue.
• Return to work or school.

Risks

Cancer rehabilitation is generally safe. Any risks of cancer rehabilitation depend on the services you receive. Talk with your healthcare team about your cancer rehabilitation plan. Your team can explain the possible side effects.

What you can expect

What you can expect during cancer rehabilitation depends on the services you receive. Cancer rehabilitation helps people with cancer maintain or restore function. Your rehabilitation plan is often personalized for exactly what you need.

Before cancer treatment

Before cancer treatment, cancer rehabilitation can help you get ready for your treatments. It might involve managing other health conditions and preparing for side effects. A rehabilitation professional can help you start an exercise program. Exercise helps reduce symptoms during cancer treatment.

During cancer treatment

During cancer treatment, cancer rehabilitation often focuses on helping you manage side effects. Cancer rehabilitation during your treatments could help you cope with symptoms, such as pain and fatigue. Rehabilitation professionals also can help you manage lymphedema symptoms and adapt to changes in thinking and memory.

After cancer treatment

After cancer treatment, cancer rehabilitation can help you recover and get back to your usual routine. Cancer rehabilitation might help you manage side effects that continue after treatment ends. A rehabilitation professional can help you regain strength and energy. If you put your work or school on hold during treatment, cancer rehabilitation services can help you start again.

When the cancer can't be cured

Cancer rehabilitation services also can help when cancer can't be cured. If you're facing the end of life, cancer rehabilitation can help you manage symptoms, such as pain. It may help you maintain your independence for as long as possible. Cancer rehabilitation also may help support your loved ones and caregivers.

Results

Cancer rehabilitation helps people with cancer maintain or restore function. How quickly you'll see results depends on your cancer and the services you receive. Talk with your healthcare team about what you can expect.