ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN CANCER

1. PHYSIOTHERAPY IN CANCER REHABILITATION
DR. SHILPASREE SAHA (PT)
LECTURER, SIKKIM PROFESSIONAL COLLEGE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY,
SIKKIM PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY

2. INTRODUCTION
 Cancer can result from abnormal proliferation of any of the different kinds of
cells in the body.
 Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide.
 In 2018, 8% of global cancer death occurs in India alone. Cancer causes
around 10% of all deaths in India annually.
Singh S. K et al. An epidemiology of self-reported cancer in India: A demonstration analysis based on
women in late reproductive age group. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health.2021; 9: 332-37

4. CANCER REHABILITATION
 Cancer rehabilitation addresses physical , social, psychological and
vocational impairments and progressive disablement at all stages of
cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Chromes GF Jr. Implementation of interdisciplinary cancer rehabilitation. Rehabil Counseling Bull,
1978; 21: 230-237

5.  Patients with cancer can now live longer with early detection with advance
screening techniques and with advance treatment protocols.
 But unfortunately, as a result of the treatment, many of the survivors are
living with lifelong impairments.
 Physiotherapist often helps the patients to improve the physical,
psychological and social impairment.

6. CHALLENGES FACED AFTER TREATMENT
 Side effects of radiation therapy/chemotherapy may include:
 Fatigue
 Pain
 Sleep problem
 Impaired muscular function
 Reduced cardiopulmonary function
 Decreased bone-mineral density
 Depression, anxiety

7. REHABILITATIVE GOALS
• Preventive Role
• Restorative Role
• Supportive Role
• Palliative Role

9. PHYSIOTHERAPY IN CANCER REHABILITATION
 Physical activity in the form of:
 Aerobic exercise,
 Pilates,
 Stretching,
 Tai chi
Pattanshetty RB, Chopde C, Role of Physiotherapy in cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors- A narrative
review. J Nov Physiother Phys Rehabil. 2016;3(1):030-034

10.  Resistant exercise

11.  Acupuncture

12.  Relaxation exercise

13. GUIDELINES FOR EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION
 Exercise prescription should be individualized and tailored based on health
status, disease trajectory, previous and/or current treatment, current fitness
level, past and present exercise prescription and preferences in order to be
safe and effective.
Mustian KM et al. Exercise recommendation for cancer-related fatigue, cognitive impairment, sleep
problems, depression, pain, anxiety and physical dysfunction: a review. Oncol hematol review; 2012;
8(2); 81-88

14. CONCLUSION
Physiotherapy can add life to the days of patients surviving with cancer. Regular
treatment program can help to improve the QOL of patients.