Monday 22 September 2014

Managing Side Effects of Ovarian Cancer Treatment with Cancer Rehab


Cancer rehabilitation can help manage the side effects of ovarian cancer treatment

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

For ovarian cancer patients, cancer rehabilitation can help manage the pelvic pain, urinary incontinence and vaginal stenosis often experienced after cancer treatment. Specially trained pelvic health physiotherapists who have received additional training typically perform an internal examination of the musculature of the pelvic floor. This examination will determine whether there are areas of scar adherence or weak musculature that can be addressed through rehab techniques. Internal treatment techniques for the pelvic floor muscles as well as connective tissues and nerves can address these pelvic floor disorders. A good resource to find out more about pelvic floor rehabilitation is Pelvic Health Solutions.

Follow-up after treatment of ovarian cancer often involves physical exams and blood tests for tumor markers that help identify whether the cancer will come back. But when discussion with your doctor includes what you can do about other side effects of ovarian cancer treatment, that's where cancer rehabilitation can also help.

Exercise prescriptions provided by cancer rehab professionals can go a long way in reducing the pain and fatigue often experienced by ovarian cancer patients. Pain and parathesia are also managed by acupuncture and TENS - both good ways to manage symptoms with reduced medication.

Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Help Overcome Hormonal Changes, Anxiety and Depression

Hormonal changes, anxiety and depression are other effects sometimes experienced by ovarian cancer patients after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cognitive behavioural techniques used by occupational therapists are often helpful in overcoming these issues and can provide you with the emotional strength to return to living a full life again. In addition, acupuncture, exercise, and massage therapy all help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Knowledge of Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms Needed

Ovarian Canada states that when it comes to ovarian cancer, knowledge is power. Ovarian cancer is diagnosed annually in nearly a quarter of a million women globally, and in Canada there are 17,000 women living with this disease. Since it is very difficult to detect ovarian cancer and there is no early detection test for it, the national organization has a goal of spreading awareness of the signs and symptoms to help detect it.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Thursday 4 September 2014

Recommendations for Men's Cancer Awareness Signal Need for Cancer Rehab Services


Cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health physiotherapy can help overcome the side effects of cancer treatment

Recommendations for Men's Cancer Health Awareness

Prostate Cancer Canada's recommendations urge men to have baseline PSA testing in their 40s rather than waiting until they are in their 50s. Risk factors include diet, age, race, lifestyle and family history. There are a number of nationwide events being held to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

The Role of Cancer Rehab in Prostate Cancer Treatment

Cancer rehab and physiotherapy can help prostate cancer patients manage the side effects of prostate cancer treatment. With approximately 25% of all new cancer cases diagnosed in Canada being for prostate cancer and an estimated 23,600 Canadian men diagnosed with the disease in 2013, there is a growing need for rehabilitation services for prostate cancer patients.

Exercise prescriptions are also an integral part of cancer rehabilitation. A study lead by the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California reported that exercise and diet can actually reduce prostate cancer risk, in addition to helping prostate cancer patients with pain and fatigue.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Helps Prostate Cancer Patients

Prostate cancer can be treated by radiation, chemotherapy, hormone suppression therapy, and surgery to remove the prostate, among other therapies.  There are a number of issues following treatment that can be alleviated through cancer rehabilitation. Pelvic Health therapists have received additional training in pelvic floor rehabilitation to treat pelvic floor dysfunction such as:

  • Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence
  • Bowel dysfunction including chronic constipation
  • Sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction
  • Pre and post-operative prostate surgery
  • Chronic pelvic pain

Cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health physiotherapy  are relatively new and emerging areas of specialty for physiotherapists in Canada. They have a great deal to offer in terms of drug free alternatives to overcoming the side effects of cancer treatment. Many people, including physicians, are not yet aware of the many rehabilitation options that have been recently developed based on the latest scientific research. A specially trained physiotherapist may be able to help alleviate or improve your problems, allowing you to resume your previous lifestyle.

How to Get Cancer Rehabilitation


Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Nova Scotia

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