Rehabilitation in patients with cancer [Kanserli hastalarda rehabilitasyon]

Abstract

The number of people who survive longer years with cancer continues to grow due to improvements in medicine. Accordingly, child deaths due to cancer have also decreased significantly owing to improvements in diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, physicians must take into consideration cancer survivors and quality of life issues about them. Cancer patients frequently have physical or psychosocial problems that result in decrease in their quality of lives. The aim of cancer rehabilitation is to help restoration of physical, social, psychologic and vocational functions that develop after the diagnosis of cancer of during its treatment, and to help patients in adapting to new conditions. General rehabilitation goals in patients with cancer are similar to those of patients with impairments caused by other chronic diseases. These include obtaining independent mobility and independence in basic activities of daily living (locomotion, personal hygiene, feeding, dressing, communication, recreation, work, etc.) with assistive devices, when necessary. Cancer rehabilitation can be provided as four basic types as 'preventive', 'restorative', 'supportive' and 'palliative' rehabilitation. Providing self-care equipment, various exercises and mobility techniques, application of orthoses, physical therapy modalities, and assistive equipment can be given during rehabilitation of cancer patients.