Importance of rehabilitation in cancer treatment and palliative medicine

Abstract

Although rehabilitation for cancer patients is being practiced in clinical settings, it has not been very well recognized in cancer care. However, interest has been turning to cancer rehabilitation in recent years in association with advances in palliative care and the increasing numbers of patients who survive for long periods, while enduring symptoms caused by cancer or adverse effects associated with treatment. The fact that cancer patient rehabilitation fees were newly established in the 2010 revision of the Japanese medical service fees has propelled interest in this topic. Rehabilitation can be applied throughout the entire phase from the time of diagnosis to the terminal stage, and it is an approach that can involve psychosocial aspects as well as physical aspects. Although its effectiveness has not been adequately demonstrated, especially in the area of palliative medicine, rehabilitation for cancer patients is expected to be an important means of supporting the hopes of patients and their families, and attempting to maintain and improve patients' quality of life.