How Physiotherapists Get You Moving Throughout the Cancer Journey

Staying Active Helps Patients from Cancer Diagnosis through Post-Treatment

Exercise reduces risk of prostate-specific mortality

In our rehabilitation of cancer patients we have found that exercise helps them in every stage of the cancer journey - whether during cancer treatment, after cancer treatment, or both during and after cancer treatment. In advanced cancer stages as well, physical activity improves well-being as well as independence. One of the most important ways we can support people regarding the recommended amount and type of physical activity is through carefully tailored cancer exercise programs and rehabilitation treatment plans.

Evidence Indicates that Exercise Reduces Cancer Recurrence

The evidence from cohort studies of cancer survivors indicates reduced mortality risk related to leisure-time exercise. A recent Macmillan Cancer Support review reports that with three hours per week of moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking), prostate cancer survivors had a lower risk of prostate-specific mortality of approximately 30%, as well as a lower rate of disease progression of 57%.

How Exercise Helps Cancer Patients During and After Treatment

• During Cancer Treatment - Studies show that if they exercise during cancer treatment, cancer patients are less tired and experience improved physical activity
• After Cancer Treatment - Research also indicates that cancer survivors experience better recovery of physical function if they exercise after cancer treatment
• Both During and After Cancer Treatment - With regular physical activity both during and after treatment, the risk of cancer recurrence or the development of other long-term conditions can be reduced

At Cancer Rehab Canada we tailor our exercise programs to meet the specific needs of each individual patient, taking into account any special precautions they may have based on their diagnosis and medical history. Many modifications can be made that will safely allow individuals to meet their physical activity goals and, in doing so, improve their survival outcomes in addition to increasing their overall health.

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

Life as a Cancer Survivor Poses Physical and Emotional Challenges - Wall Street Journal

Cancer Survivorship Care Programs Integrate the Body, Mind and Soul of the Survivor

Cancer rehabilitation services in Canada are rarely received, although they are needed as much as in the US

Cancer physiotherapy, emotional aid and plans for treatment follow-up are becoming the norm at a number of hospitals and community cancer centers in the US where survivorship care programs have an integrated approach that takes care of the body, mind and soul of the survivor. Unfortunately in Canada, these rehabilitation services are still rarely received, although they are needed just the same. (see Oncology Rehabilitation Provision and Practice Patterns Across Canada, Canestro et al, Physio Canada, 2013)

As reported in The Next Front in Cancer Care at the Wall Street Journal, "Chemotherapy and radiation can damage vital organs such as the heart and liver, possibly causing secondary diseases years later. The body can be debilitated, cognitive functions impaired and emotions distressed, making return to normal life and work difficult. Some 70% of cancer survivors experience depression at some point. Patients have higher levels of anxiety years after the disease is cured." The focus of treatment is on curing the cancer, but often there is no care provided for the side effects that occur as a result of the cancer treatment.

Cancer Rehab Canada feels the same rehabilitation services should be offered to Canadians who are living with cancer, whether their impairments are physical or psychological in nature. We have a long way to go to provide the same array of services available to many Americans, but we are working hard to build the same level of rehab care for all Canadian cancer survivorships.

Read the full Wall Street Journal article.

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