Recovering from Cancer Physically, Mentally, Socially & Emotionally

Medical professionals at Montefiore offer a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment. -File Photo

By Dr. Iliana Sanchez Franco, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Montefiore Health System

HEALTH - Cancer is a complex and devastating disease that affects millions of people worldwide. 

It not only affects the physical health of patients, but it also takes a toll on their mental and emotional wellbeing. Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center offers a specialized Cancer Rehabilitation Program that aims to help patients recover from the physical, emotional, and social impact of cancer and its treatment.

What is Cancer Rehabilitation?

Cancer rehabilitation is a comprehensive program that includes a range of services designed to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. It can help patients manage the physical and emotional side effects of cancer and its treatment. The goal of cancer rehabilitation is to help patients regain their strength, mobility, and independence so that they can return to their daily activities as soon as possible.

Cancer rehabilitation may include the following services:

1. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is an essential component of cancer rehabilitation. It can help patients improve their strength, mobility, and endurance. Physical therapists can design exercise programs that are tailored to the patient's specific needs and abilities.

2. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy can help cancer patients regain their independence in daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. Occupational therapists can provide training in adaptive techniques and recommend assistive devices to help patients with their daily activities.

3. Speech Therapy: Cancer patients may experience speech and swallowing difficulties due to the location of the tumor or the effects of radiation therapy. Speech therapists can work with patients to improve their communication skills and swallowing function.

4. Psychological Counseling: Cancer patients may experience anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems during and after treatment. Psychological counseling can help patients cope with the emotional stress of cancer and improve their quality of life.

5. Nutritional Counseling: Cancer patients may experience changes in appetite, taste, and weight during treatment. Nutritional counseling can help patients maintain a healthy diet and manage their symptoms.

Our team does its best to understand the unique needs, social circumstances, and perspectives of our diverse patient population. We recognize that accessing services can be difficult for some of our patients, for example lack of access to transportation or unstable housing can be barriers to care. 

By addressing underlying factors, it is hoped that overall health outcomes can be improved and disparities in cancer rehabilitation can be reduced. We are also focused on enhancing our communication skills and cultural competence, so we can tailor our care specifically to our patients’ needs.

Cancer rehabilitation has many benefits for patients and is a critical component of cancer care. As well as helping patients recover from the physical, emotional, and social impact of cancer and its treatment, cancer rehabilitation can reduce the need for hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and other medical interventions. If you or someone you know is a cancer patient, talk to your healthcare provider about cancer rehabilitation and how it can help.

Iliana L. Sanchez Franco, MD, specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Hospice & Palliative Medicine at Montefiore Health System. She is also a member of the Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center.