Overview of cancer rehabilitation

Cancer patients suffer very diverse physical, psychological symptoms and functional impairments throughout cancer care continuum. These problems often go undetected and untreated, and may result in reduced health-related quality of life and disability. Cancer rehabilitation is a varied and challenging field of increasing public health importance. A growing evidence base suggests that impairment-driven rehabilitative interventions succeed in preserving and restoring the functional status of patients with cancer. There are many clinical and political barriers existed to limit expanding of this field. This article is intended to provide all cancer care physician with an overview of the issues relevant to the medical rehabilitation of patients with cancer.