The Challenges Faced By Cancer Survivors

Feeling On Your Own After Cancer

Some cancer survivors describe feeling a sense of abandonment, and feel "left hung out to dry"

Although there is a lot of cancer information out there, it is sometimes difficult for cancer patients after treatment to feel supported with the tailored information and care that they need. The way some cancer survivors have described it to us is that they feel a sense of abandonment, or feel "left hung out to dry". But with regular care from a cancer rehabilitation professional, these feelings can gradually be overcome and survivors can get back to their regular routines.

Dis-Ease Means Unease With a Disruption to Self

Some cancer patients indicate feeling a lack of ease with themselves and their physical fragility that no-one is addressing or helping them get through. This unease really speaks to a need for integrated cancer rehabilitation services to help patients:

• recover their identity
• learn how to manage and adapt to any permanent impairments
• have a regular exercise schedule that has been tailored for them and will help to overcome the sense of constant fatigue
• receive specialized physiotherapy to address movement restrictions, swelling and cancer related pain
• when necessary, have counseling to overcome the sense of being deflated, dejected and even jaded after surgery

Acquiring a New Meaning for Physical Activity

When exercise means lowering the chances of cancer ever coming back, it takes on a new meaning. As one patient puts it, "keeping her blood oxygenated" through everyday exercise is the best way to keep the cancer away. For her, exercise has become a tool for a second chance and the gateway for her to get back to living her life. Building up muscle mass that has deteriorated is another often challenging aspect of post-cancer physical activity, but the benefits of exercise for cancer management are numerous and encouraging!

Cancer Rehabilitation is Available In Canada at 62 Different Locations

We offer a means for cancer patients to overcome many of the challenges and impairments that have resulted from cancer and its treatment. These side effects are most effectively overcome with an individualized treatment plan designed by a Cancer Rehabilitation professional.

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

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Ontario

Nova Scotia

Other Helpful Links for Cancer Rehabilitation

Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada

Canadian Cancer Society

Livestrong Foundation

ELLICSR Kitchen - UHN Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation

Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

Cancer Rehab and Return to Work

More People Surviving Cancer Due to Improved Treatments

Although returning to work after cancer can be challenging, rehab can play a valuable role

Returning to work following a cancer diagnosis is more viable than it ever has been before. More people are surviving cancer due to improved treatments, better diagnostics and the fact that many are being diagnosed at a younger age. Although returning to work can sometimes be a challenge, rehabilitation can play a valuable role in achieving this important step in the transition from illness to wellness. The success and durability of their return to work depends on many factors which we are only now beginning to recognize.

Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation is Effective in the Return to Work Process

Research shows that the majority of people who are diagnosed with cancer want to return to work however many struggle to do so and end up having to leave or change jobs, if they manage to return at all. So how are we best able to support and encourage this return to work process?  A Cochrane review article, including 18 research studies and 1652 participants studied the effectiveness of interventions aimed at enhancing return to work in cancer patients. They concluded that there is moderate quality evidence to suggest that multidisciplinary interventions involving physical, psychological and vocational components led to higher return to work rates. Multidisciplinary rehab should always be considered over the “wait and see” approach.
(de Boer A, Taskila T., Frings-Dresen M, Feurstein M., Verbeek, J: Interventions to enhance return-to-work for cancer patients: A Cochrane Review. Proceeding of the First Scientific Conference on Work Disability Prevention and Integration.  2010)

Rehabilitation Not Routinely Offered

The current research recommends rehabilitation to address and treat the cancer related and cancer treatment related “side effects” for improved functional outcomes. However it is clear that although rehabilitation services are needed they are not usually received by cancer survivors. Only 19% of breast cancer patients reported having received any physical, psychological or educational rehabilitation service. The medical profession continues to be disease centered and there continues to be a lack of consideration of the possible rehabilitation services, which in turn negatively impacts successful return to work. In many cases the health disability insurance companies are left to encourage and fund this important step in the recovery process.
(Silver Jk, Gilchrist LS: Cancer Rehabilitation with a focus on evidence-based outpatient Physical and Occupational Therapy Interventions. Am.J. Phys.Med. Rehabil. Vol 90, No 5 (Suppl), May 2011)

Cancer Rehabilitation is Cost Effective

A recent large government funded review in the UK found that structured vocational interventions can be both beneficial to individuals and cost effective. They claim that if a cancer patient is supported back into work the cost of the intervention pays for itself within the first 12 weeks that they otherwise would not have worked. This study demonstrates “that personalised and timely vocational rehabilitation interventions do result in better work and health outcomes for people with cancer and can be cost effective.” Assisting people with cancer back to work has a positive economic impact for everyone involved.
(Macmillan (2013) Making the Shift: Providing specialist work support to people with cancer. London. Macmillan Cancer Support)

Early Results from Rehab Professionals Working With Cancer Patients Are Positive

In 2013 LifeMark/Centric Health embarked upon a strategy to train our clinicians, to improve our Cancer Rehab services and to begin to meet the rehabilitation needs of the almost one million cancer survivors living in Canada today. We wanted to ensure that our rehabilitation professionals were prepared with the latest evidence based information on Cancer Rehabilitation.

Moving beyond the research and into clinical care in our clinics, we are beginning to see the evidence borne out in our own clinical results.  The early results from our Cancer Rehabilitation services are beginning to show the positive impact on our patient’s lives.

• 100% of patients attained their return to activities of daily living goals;
• 90% of patients attained their symptom improvements goals; and
• 74% of patients attained their return to work goals

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

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

British Columbia

Alberta
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Increased Physical Activity Improves Cancer Survival Rates

Are You a Cancer Survivor With N.E.D.?

Cancer survivors can improve their chances of remaining NED through regular exercise

We live in a world of acronyms that are only meaningful to people "in the know". I have worked my whole life with PTs, OTs and RMTs who do things like measure ROM, use the IFC and put people through FCEs. What may seem strange to those outside my physiotherapy world is all very clear to me.

The Importance of the Acronym N.E.D.

One acronym that really sticks in my mind these days though, is N.E.D.! This has a special meaning to me, along with thousands of other cancer survivors. It means No Evidence of Disease. These are the best three letters you can hope to see written at the bottom of your doctor's chart. Nothing makes me happier than hearing that the follow-up test results have shown N.E.D.!

Increased Physical Activity Improves Survival Rates

But the question remains how cancer survivors can improve their chances of remaining N.E.D. One of the best ways is engaging in regular exercise.

A systemic review completed in 2010 by Barbaric et al, looked at the Effects of Physical Activity on Cancer Survival. They concluded after reviewing hundreds of scientific research articles that there is growing evidence demonstrating that increased physical activity improves survival rates in patients with breast or colorectal cancers. The recommended amount required to make a difference is a mere 3 hours of moderately paced walking per week. More recently, there is evidence supporting exercise with other types of cancers including lung and prostate. Surely regular daily exercise is possible for most cancer survivors and should be strongly encouraged by the medical community.

I believe it is time to challenge the meaning of N.E.D.! From now on... let us all remember that it really should mean NEED EXERCISE DAILY!

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.

Ontario
British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Nova Scotia

Cancer Rehab Canada Celebrates First Birthday

Cancer Rehab Canada celebrates its first birthday in July 2014!

Helping Cancer Survivors to Feel Better, Stronger and Happier

On July 15, 2013 Cancer Rehab started blogging about ways that cancer survivors can feel better, stronger and happier. Over 45 blog posts and a year later, we have found participation in the online conversation about how to minimize survivors' disabilities to be an extremely rewarding experience.

Cancer Rehabilitation Benefits Optimal Recovery

We are still asking why cancer patients aren't routinely offered cancer rehabilitation services to help them return to normal life.

 These services are regularly provided for recovering cardiac patients and patients who had joint replacement surgery. Yet those people who have had cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgeries such as mastectomy, are often not receiving cancer rehabilitation service despite the growing scientific evidence that it is very beneficial in obtaining optimal recovery. Our 62 rehab clinics can offer assistance in minimizing the side effects of cancer and its treatment.

Cancer Survivors Often Suffer From Disabilities Associated With Cancer Treatments

Cancer survivors often suffer from the side effects of their diagnosis and related treatment. Their functional impairments may include persistent fatigue, radiation fibrosis, chemotherapy fog, lymphedema, frozen shoulder and pain. Many of these conditions can be improved with interventions from a rehabilitation professional with specialized training, such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or massage therapist.

According to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, there is estimated to be 1 million cancer survivors in Canada today, with that number expected to increase to over 2 million by 2020. Physical disability is a leading cause of distress in this population. It is critical that this population be appropriately screened and treated for their impairments, so that we minimize their disabilities and maximize their quality of life.

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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.

Ontario
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Alberta

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Nova Scotia

5 Tips to Keep Cancer Patients Active

Motivation to exercise is important when you can't exercise or feel too tired to exercise

Can't Exercise? Too Tired to Exercise?

The evidence supporting exercise for cancer patients is undeniable. However, sometimes we feel we can't exercise or are too tired to exercise. Although we know we need to be physically active, it is often very difficult to stick to it.

How to Stay Motivated to Exercise

As a physiotherapist and cancer survivor myself, I can certainly appreciate both sides. On those days when my "get up and go" has "got up and left", I put on my physiotherapy hat and recall some of the tips I have learned over the years that help me stay motivated and physically active. Here are a few things to consider:

• Exercise with a friend. If I have someone waiting to meet me at the gym I am far more likely to go, and my friend usually appreciates me encouraging them to be there too.
• Vary your exercise routine to avoid boredom. I like to try something different each day of the week, but also change it up with the seasons.
• Exercise outdoors whenever you can. It just feels healthier to me to be breathing fresh air and enjoying the scenery, regardless of whether it is 20 below or 20 above.
• Record your exercise achievements, so that you can track your progress. There are some cool apps for tracking walking and running progress now, that make this easy and fun.
• Identify barriers to exercise and work to overcome them. One example of this is using urban walking poles to give you confidence to walk further or on uneven terrain when your balance might be slightly impaired.

How Physiotherapists Can Help

Physiotherapists are trained to help individuals with a variety of disabilities overcome their barriers to being physically active. Physiotherapists have heard every excuse in the book as to why someone cannot exercise. In most cases, modifications can be made to create a safe and effective exercise program for just about anyone. It may definitely be worthwhile to consult a physiotherapist during or after your cancer treatment to develop a physical activity plan with achievable goals.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

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

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Ontario

Nova Scotia

Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Management

Incorporating Exercise into Your Cancer Management Plan

Exercise is one of the most beneficial things that cancer patients can incorporate into their cancer management plan

Physical activity is important in all stages of cancer. Many cancer patients are reluctant to exercise for fear of ‘making things worse” when in fact it is one of the most beneficial things that they can do. The scientific evidence to support this is growing and every effort should be made to incorporate exercise as part of the accepted cancer management plan.

How Exercise Benefits Cancer Patients

During cancer treatment 

• Reduces pain and fatigue
• Prevents decline of physical function
• Manages stress and improves mental outlook

After cancer treatment

• Increase energy levels
• Assists in the recovery of physical function
• Improves quality of life

During and after cancer treatment

• Reduces the risk of cancer reoccurrence
• Reduces the risk of developing other long term complications

Advanced cancer

• Helps maintain independence and well being

How a Physiotherapist Trained in Cancer Rehabilitation Can Help

People living with cancer should be advised to gradually build up their physical activity to meet the recommended guidelines. A physiotherapist trained in cancer rehabilitation can assist them in preparing an exercise program that meets the energy expenditure amounts recommended in the research, in addition to making sure that they are safely adapting to meet any medical restrictions or physical impairments.

It is important that we continue to encourage, support and assist cancer survivors to initiate and maintain a lifestyle that regularly includes physical activity at all stages of their journey with cancer.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

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

British Columbia

Alberta
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Running Through Cancer and Beyond

Running Important to Physical and Mental Recovery After Cancer

Running is important to cancer recovery both physically and mentally

It’s been three years since my battle with cancer. I had always been a casual runner, venturing out for a 5 km jog a couple of times a week but lately I have been running a lot; enjoying the cooler temperatures and increasing ease in my stride. And I have my cancer diagnosis to thank for this transformation.

Running has been so important to my cancer recovery both physically and mentally allowing me to focus on getting better and cope with difficult times. My diagnosis of Stage Three Colon Cancer meant that I had to undergo surgery to remove a large portion of my colon and surrounding lymph nodes, followed by a six month course of chemotherapy. As any cancer patient understands, you end up feeling much worse after your treatment than you ever felt before. The side effects of therapy certainly left this 50 year old runner struggling to regain and maintain a confident stride through the daily demands as a health practitioner and mother of three active teenagers.  But it was because I felt so lousy and not in the drivers-seat for the first time in my life that I was relentless in my pursuit of recovery and a sense of well-being.

As a career physiotherapist I was well versed on the benefits of running to maintain a healthy lifestyle and more specifically well aware of the scientific research indicating the odds of surviving colon cancer are significantly increased with exercise such as running.  In fact exercise is now recommended during treatment as well as after, for colon and other types of cancers.  This knowledge gave me a means to participate in my own recovery and put me back in the driver’s seat, well at least shot-gun!

Practical Exercise Tips for Running While Battling Cancer

Running proved to be the best exercise for me while battling cancer.  Here are some practical exercise tips, that I learned along the way that may help others to stay active:

• Try a foam donut cut out over your port-a-cath (implant used for chemo) to minimize the irritation of your sports bra rubbing against it.  Camping foam, a couple cm thick works well & it can be easily taped in place, with first aid tape or just slipped under the bra strap.
• Don’t tie running shoes as tightly as you did before treatment; carefully adjust the tongue of the shoe to avoid constriction of the blood flow and minimize pressure on sensitive nerves. 
• Consider new shoes with more cushion support than you previously may have had, to protect the sensitivity of your feet if you are dealing with chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy.
• Consider wearing compression stockings if you have even mild swelling in your feet (a common condition if you have had lymph nodes removed).
• Use lemon or orange slices in your water bottle to minimize the metallic aftertaste of chemotherapy and encourage you to stay hydrated, which is most important during treatment.
• Get some new motivational music on your iPod. It is surprising the impact this can have on your mind and spirit – making the journey so much more tolerable.
• Run outside to avoid crowds and other sources of infection (like pools or gyms) when your white blood cell count is low. There is nothing like a little fresh air to clear the cobwebs of chemotherapy-related fogginess. 
• NEVER run to the point of complete exhaustion - be sensible in your energy expenditure. Always remind yourself not to ‘empty the gas tank’ and leave a little energy to deal with the rest of your day. 

Exercise is an Opportunity to do More Than Just Survive Cancer

Exercise gave me an opportunity to do more than just survive cancer; it helped me to begin living my life again and in many ways helped me to transform into a better human being.  My wish for cancer survivors and runners alike comes from the words of one of my favourite running songs, “May your paths be the sound of your feet upon the ground”. You never know where a run might take you or where life will lead you.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

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

British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

8 Ways to Keep Cancer Survivors Healthy

Lifestyle Guidelines for Cancer Survivors Promote Continued Health

Exercise provides physiological and psychological benefits for cancer survivors

1. Get Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is one of the primary ways that survivors can stay healthy.  Exercise lowers reported fatigue in cancer patients by 40-50%, and the scientific evidence supporting exercise as the best intervention for fatigue is very strong. In a study on Exercise and Cancer Rehab, evidence indicated that exercise can provide both physiological and psychological benefits for cancer survivors.  As a prescription therapy for cancer survivors, studies have suggested that regular physical activity will help to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, given the known anti-inflammatory effects of exercise.  Here are 10 things you should know about cancer exercise.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise both give you energy and help you feel better. The Canadian Cancer Society reports that good nutrition is vital at every stage of your cancer treatment and recovery. Following their nutritional guide will help you heal and recover after treatment.

3. Get Regular Check-Ups with Your Healthcare Provider

Having regular check-ups with your healthcare providers is essential for your preventative care to be ongoing. As well, the long-term care of the cancer survivor can be effectively coordinated in an individualized survivorship plan that takes into account the cancer diagnosis, treatment, side effects, follow-up visits, the availability of psychological and support services, and tips on the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

4. Get Cancer Rehab to Overcome Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

Research strongly supports the effectiveness of cancer rehabilitation in improving the quality of life in cancer patients. Early rehabilitation interventions can help with some of the side effects of cancer and its treatments – including fatigue, cancer-related pain, peripheral neuropathy, adhesions & fibrosis, chemo fog, emotional distress, lymphedema and range-of-motion limitations.

5. Don't Smoke

Over twenty per cent of Canadians over the age of 11 still smoke, even though smoking is a known risk factor for many conditions including lung cancer. According to Statistics Canada, however, the rates of smoking in 2012 lowered significantly from 2008 levels. The World Health Organization has declared smoking a preventable cause of death. (2008. WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2008: The MPOWER Package. Geneva.)

6. Avoid Weight Gain

Another important way to improve your health is to keep your weight in check. Cancer treatment can be complicated by weight gain, and excess body weight is also associated with cancer recurrence, reduced quality of life, and reduced survival. 

7. Drink in Moderation

Drinking alcohol in moderation is important for cancer survivors to stay healthy. As described by our guest blogger DebiLyn Smith in Alcohol and Cancer, drinking more than the maximum three alcoholic drinks a week for women, or seven to fourteen for men, can adversely affect health as well as cancer risk.

8. Stay Connected with Family and Friends

Make sure to have regular visits with your family or friends to maintain your overall health. By maintaining these supportive connections, quality of life is improved and stress, depression and fatigue is reduced.

Please contact one of our 48 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Integrating Exercise on the Cancer Care Pathway

Growing Evidence Supports the Role of Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment

Research indicates that with tailored programs, exercise is likely to have a positive effect on cancer patients

In a Macmillan Cancer Support Review of the evidence for integrating the promotion of physical activity within the cancer care pathway, a team of medical researchers* found that if exercise prescriptions are individually tailored to each individual and the potential for side effects taken into account, exercise is likely to have a positive effect on cancer patients.

The review reports that exercise during treatment prevents a decline in functional outcomes without increasing fatigue. One study within the review highlighted the fact that the loss of physical function experienced by cancer survivors apply to longer-term survivors, not just patients who have just completed treatment:

“Limitations in physical functioning were reported by a significantly higher proportion of both short-term (54%) and long-term (53%) cancer survivors… The commonest problems experienced (crouching, kneeling, standing for long periods, walking short distances and lifting/carrying a load) are all vital for carrying out basic daily activities…”

 General Exercise Safety Precautions During and After Cancer Treatment

It is important to see a rehab professional with special training in cancer-related physiotherapy techniques for help in deciding what and how much exercise is recommended both during and after treatment. Below are some potentially adverse events associated with physical activity and cancer, with precautions you can take to avoid them:*

To prevent the exacerbation of symptoms (eg pain, fatigue, nausea, dyspnea) - Avoid high-intensity exercise; monitor symptoms; modify exercise type based on site of treatment (eg avoid exercise bike after prostate/rectal surgery).

To prevent immunosuppression – If patient has low white blood cell counts, avoid high intensity/volume of exercise (keep to light – moderate intensity).

To prevent falls – If patient has dizziness, frailty, peripheral sensory neuropathy: incorporate balance and coordination exercises (eg tai chi) and avoid activities needing considerable balance/coordination (eg treadmill).

To prevent bone fracture – If patient has bone metastases/osteoporosis risk avoid high impact or contact activities.

To prevent lymphedema – Progress resistance exercises in small and gradual increments. To avoid exacerbation of lymphedema, avoid strenuous repetitive exercise with affected limb;  wear compression garment.

* Written by Dr. Anna Campbell, University of Dundee; Jo Foster, Macmillan Cancer Support; Dr. Clare Stevinson, Loughborough University; and Dr. Nick Cavill (Cavill Associates Ltd).


A current Canadian study hopes to inspire health-care professionals to incorporate exercise into standard cancer care programs.

To find a Cancer Rehab Canada location near you, please see our list of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Nova Scotia locations.

The Best Treatment for Cancer Related Fatigue

Studies indicate that 80% of people who received chemotherapy or radiotherapy will have some degree of fatigue

Cancer Related Fatigue Remains Number One Problem

The most prevalent side effect of cancer treatment is fatigue. Studies suggest that eighty per cent of individuals who have received chemotherapy or radiotherapy will experience some degree of persistent fatigue. In Dead Tired, Dr. Jane Poulson describes her experience of cancer fatigue as "unlike any fatigue I have ever known, not only in severity and longevity but in its effect on my mood and spirits".

 Exercise Lowers Reported Fatigue Levels by 40 - 50%

Physical exercise has been suggested as helpful in reducing fatigue

Although it seems counter-intuitive to most people, the best cure for fatigue is exercise. The scientific evidence supporting exercise as the best intervention for fatigue is very strong. However it is often difficult for those overwhelmed by fatigue to know how to get themselves going again. They need guidance to start slowly and gradually increase their exercise over weeks and months. Every individual is different and some people have medical precautions which make finding their safe level of exercise more challenging. Appropriate screening and modifications of prescribed exercise is extremely important.

Cancer Exercise in the Community

At Cancer Rehab Canada we encourage you to get out there and get active. We want you to find a safe and engaging way to exercise. For some people this may be doing Yoga or Pilates at a local gym, and for others it might mean walking the dog. Exercising with others in a group setting is often an excellent way to take your mind off your fatigue and motivate you to get going, but you need to be mindful that you are an individual and everyone is unique.

If you have any doubt about your abilities to do certain exercises, please consult with a rehab professional at Cancer Rehab Canada. Starting an exercise program after an illness isn't easy, and often a few simple strategies can get you safely on your way to a full recovery. Before you know it you will be able to enjoy increased energy and much less fatigue.

To find a Cancer Rehab Canada near you, visit the list of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or Nova Scotia locations.

Urban Poling Improves Quality of Life for Cancer Patients

Urban Poling is a growing wellness trend that combines specialized poles with walking

Urban Poling Help Survivors Recover from Cancer and Cancer Treatment

Walking poles are an excellent choice for people recovering from cancer and the cancer treatments they have received. The poles improve your balance and posture while walking. They allow you to walk further with less fear of falling and less stress on your joints. By using your upper body as well as your lower body, you will burn more calories which will assist you in weight loss. The swinging motion of your arms is particularly good exercise for the mobility of your shoulders. Shoulder restriction is so often a problem for breast cancer patients who have had surgery or radiation in the area.

Proven Benefits of Walking Poles

Evidence based studies have indicated the effectiveness of walking poles on shoulder function in breast cancer survivors. Other proven beneficial effects are:

• Self-esteem

  

  Anne Edgell-Kennedy, Clinic Director of
  LifeMark/Centric Health in Fonthill ON
  instructs a patient in proper use of urban poling

• Social interaction
• Improvement in pain management
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Quality of life
• Functional independence
• Core strength
• Upper extremity mobility and strength
• Muscular endurance
• Posture, stability and balance
• Exercise tolerance
• Personal exertion limits

Ensure Proper Height of Poles

It is important that the poles are the right height for you. Stand up straight with your elbows at your sides and bend them to 90 degrees (an "L" shape) and then adjust your poles so you are holding the handles while your arms stay in this position. A physiotherapist can help get you properly fitted and help you with your poling technique. It can take some practice to feel comfortable using the poles.

More Resources on Urban Poling

Read about the Health Benefits of Nordic Walking.

To see how Urban Poling works in action, check out our video.

To find a Cancer Rehab Canada near you, visit the list of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or Nova Scotia locations.

Minimizing the Effects of Breast Cancer Through Cancer Rehab

Getting Back to Living - Not Just Surviving - After Breast Cancer

Even after surviving breast cancer, many patients find that although the treatment has ended, the cancer experience has not. The impact of cancer treatment and surgeries on psychological, emotional and physical well-being affects individuals in many ways causing problems such as:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Decreased strength and mobility in shoulders
• Muscle aches
• Tingling in hands and feet
• Lymphedema

Cancer Rehabilitation Helps Minimize the Side Effects

The risk of developing lymphedema, or swelling in the arm, can be minimized through early cancer rehab treatment. A specially trained Physiotherapist can help to minimize the risk of developing lymphedema through exercise and education. It is vitality important to manage signs and symptoms early. Manual lymph drainage, provided by a certified therapist, has also been shown to effectively treat lymphedema and should even be considered proactively to prevent it in the first place.

Patient receives acupuncture after undergoing cancer treatment

Other benefits of cancer rehabilitation include exercise prescriptions to reduce the pain and fatigue that may be a result of the radiation or surgery that breast cancer patients have received.   Massage therapy, acupuncture and TENS can be used successfully to manage pain and parathesia, in addition to reducing stress. By seeking rehabilitation early, the research has shown we can prevent complications from occurring down the road, such as shoulder tendonitis or frozen shoulder. 

Restoring breast cancer survivors' previous level of function is a primary goal of cancer rehabilitation, and each client will have a tailored treatment plan to meet their individual goals.

Breast Cancer Affects 1 in 9 Canadian Women

Breast cancer survivors can minimize the risk of developing lymphedema through cancer rehabilitation

According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer affects 1 in 9 Canadian women in their lifetime, and it is estimated that in 2013 23,800 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Non-modifiable risk factors are listed as gender and age, personal & family cancer history and genetics, early menstruation and late menopause, breast density and breast conditions. Lifestyle choices included in the list of modifiable risk factors are smoking, body weight, physical activity, alcohol use, exposure to hormones (the Pill, in vitro fertilization, and hormone replacement therapy), among others. 

If you are a breast cancer survivor or a friend or family member of a breast cancer survivor, please visit one of our British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or Nova Scotia locations.

Cancer Rehab Canada/LifeMark Donates $1,000 to Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre at Annual 5K Run

Cancer Rehab Canada's LifeMark Physiotherapy clinics participated in the 4th annual Hearth Place event

Hearth Place 5K on the Runway Takes Off

Several colleagues from Cancer Rehab Canada's LifeMark Physiotherapy Clinics in the Durham Region stood ready for takeoff at Oshawa's municipal airport to support runners in the 4th annual Hearth Place 5-kilometre event that took place on September 22. A total of $1,000 was donated by the group, as a sponsorship to Hearth Place's Cancer Support Centre.

Information on Cancer Rehabilitation Services Distributed to Hearth Place Run Participants

Cancer Rehab Canada/LifeMark was on hand to let the runners, their friends and family know about the benefits of cancer rehabilitation to address the pain, fatigue, joint restrictions, and cognitive & memory problems often faced by cancer patients. Led by Krista McIntyre, Clinic Director and Physiotherapist of LifeMark Physiotherapy Whitby, members of the Cancer Rehab Canada/LifeMark team gave out water and hand sanitizer, as well as literature on the ability to empower each cancer survivor to take control of their life and feel better, stronger and happier. Massage beds were also set up on site where the team provided complimentary 5-minute pre-and post-race massages to runners.

Krista McIntyre, Clinic Director and Physiotherapist of LifeMark Physiotherapy Whitby, offers supplies to participants

"The Hearth Place 5K on the Runway was a wonderful opportunity for Cancer Rehab Canada/LifeMark to let people know about our cancer rehabilitation services. We not only had a chance to meet with different survivors and practitioners, but felt that the community responded with great interest in our new specialty programs", said Krista McIntyre.

Clinic representatives at the race included Krista McIntyre, Clinic Director and Physiotherapist of Whitby, Nadia Ramprasad, Physiotherapist of Whitby, Luke Tavernier, Exercise Therapist of Whitby, Michelle Gray, Massage Therapist of Whitby, Joy Brooks-Desbarres, Clinic Director and Physiotherapist of Oshawa, Michelle Lees, Kinesiologist of Oshawa, and Graham Doig, Clinic Director and Physiotherapist of Ajax. The team also gave out pens, ice/heat gel packs, and lip balm to participants both before and after the race.

Over 700 participants took part in Hearth Place 5K on the Runway, raising $69,000 for Hearth Place

There were over 700 participants and overall donations raised for Hearth Place at this year's run totaled $69,000.

Hearth Place addresses the social, practical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of people dealing with all types of cancer. It is a well-known cancer resource centre in Central East Ontario for its wellness programs focusing on coping with cancer, healing, living well beyond cancer, and cancer support.

To find a Cancer Rehab Canada near you, visit the list of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or Nova Scotia locations.