Cancer Rehabilitation – Now or Never!

At the #ISPRM2024 congress in Sydney, Dr. Fary Khan, President-Elect of ISPRM, delivered a powerful keynote lecture titled “Cancer Rehabilitation – Now or Never!” In an interview with Dr. Muhammad Tawab Khalil following her talk, Dr. Khan emphasized the urgent need for Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) specialists to prioritize cancer rehabilitation, given the global rise in cancer cases and survivorship.

Why Cancer Rehabilitation Matters Now

Dr. Khan stressed that cancer care is a worldwide priority, with governments allocating increasing resources to address the issue. “It’s not just about surgical care or oncology, but survivorship issues,” she said. The goal of cancer care is to ensure that patients not only survive but live fulfilling lives post-treatment. This is where rehabilitation comes into play, particularly through prehabilitation—a process that helps prepare patients for surgery by building their resilience to increase their chances of survival.

The Role of PRM Specialists in Cancer Care

Rehabilitation is essential across the entire spectrum of cancer care, from the time of diagnosis through to post-treatment. Dr. Khan highlighted the many challenges cancer survivors face, such as chronic pain, mobility issues, and functional limitations. “For every patient who’s had cancer treatment, there will be a survivorship issue related to mobility, function, or reintegration,” she explained. PRM specialists have a critical role in addressing these issues, helping patients regain function and reintegrate into their normal lives.

Long-Term Rehabilitation and the Community Phase

Dr. Khan discussed the importance of the post-treatment phase, often the longest and most complex part of a cancer survivor’s journey. This phase is typically poorly addressed, with follow-up care focusing only on medical or surgical issues, rather than the disabilities that can arise from cancer treatments. “Having rehab physicians involved in that phase in the community for best outcomes in terms of function and reintegration is where we need to focus,” she said.

Guidance for PRM Specialists Starting in Cancer Rehabilitation

For PRM specialists interested in cancer rehabilitation, Dr. Khan offered simple advice: find a mentor, start small, and advocate for change. “Advocacy is first,” she said. By raising awareness about the need for cancer rehabilitation, PRM specialists can inspire action and implement effective programs. She also stressed the importance of collaboration, pointing to ISPRM’s various committees and resources as valuable tools for those looking to start cancer rehabilitation programs in their own countries.

Dr. Khan’s lecture and interview serve as a call to action for PRM specialists around the world. As she emphasized, it’s not about the resources or funding available, but about the commitment to improving cancer survivorship through rehabilitation.