Cancer Rehabilitation

Many patients with cancer and cancer survivors suffer from pain and impaired functioning as a result of cancer treatment, even years after the treatment is over. Nevertheless, only a few people receive proper care to address these issues through cancer rehabilitation.

A look at head and neck cancer by Dr. Nancy Hutchison.

Cancer-related fatigue is very common among survivors and among those undergoing cancer treatment; it can be caused by your treatment, or by other factors related to your physical health and/or emotional state, such as chemical imbalances, hormonal changes, stress and anxiety, or poor sleep.

Lymphedema is the response of the immune system to the blockage of fluids in traveling to lymph nodes, which are part of the body’s immune system.

Cognitive changes during cancer treatment, also known as “chemo brain” or “chemo fog,” are common. In fact, some studies suggest that up to 75% of patients receiving chemotherapy may face these issues.

Dr. McMichael, assistant professor at Ohio State University, gives a summary of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), and offers tips for managing it.

“Up to 68% of patients with breast cancer experience shoulder pain and/or restricted motion of the shoulder during or after treatment,” says Dr. Eric Wisotzky.

All cancer survivors have muscle/joint pain, but people receiving treatment for cancer may have excess muscle pain after treatment. Musculoskeletal aches and pains may take 2 months or more to completely resolve. Dr. Smith discusses available treatment options.