Facing a diagnosis of cancer can be devastating. Individuals may be filled with uncertainty about the future, fears about treatment side effects and worries about how they will manage it all.
But an emerging and important new field in medicine, “prehabilitation,” readies individuals for the rigors of cancer treatment, which — while highly effective — can negatively impact physical and mental function, as well as quality of life.
“Cancer prehabilitation — education/interventions that take place between diagnosis and initiation of treatment — can be the key to an easier, more complete recovery from cancer,” explains Vicki Lucas, PT, coordinator of the new Cancer Prehabilitation program at Peoria-based Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR).
Prehabilitation is the precursor to rehabilitation and is designed to obtain an individual’s baseline status and improve pain or functional limitations before beginning cancer treatments.
“From the moment an individual is diagnosed with cancer, he or she is considered a survivor,” Lucas says. “And survivors need to do whatever they can to improve their health from the very start.”
Cancer prehabilitation helps prepare newly diagnosed patients physically and emotionally for the long road ahead.
“Cancer treatment side effects may include fatigue, joint pain, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet, balance problems, depression, eating difficulties, and difficulty with cognitive activities such as remembering,” she adds.
Through education and evaluation from a team of experts, cancer prehab services strive to improve overall health beforehand to offset some of the problems caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. And, it works.
“A growing body of scientific evidence supports that cancer prehab is the first step in winning the fight,” Lucas explains.
How Cancer Prehab Works
Cancer prehabilitation starts with a simple questionnaire that establishes an individual’s baseline functional status. Cancer prehabilitation experts prepare participants for what they can do to optimize their health and quality of life throughout treatment. Symptoms of distress and methods of distress management such as meditation and expressive writing are discussed.
“Education about the importance of proper nutrition before, during and after cancer treatment is also vitally important,” Lucas says.
Breakout sessions cover topics like promoting urinary continence for individuals with prostate cancer, enhancing pulmonary function for those diagnosed with lung cancer, smoking cessation and more. Instructional videos on the benefits of Yoga and Tai Chi are also available.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure the best possible outcomes,” she adds.
Cancer prehab programs like IPMR’s also include valuable tools to help participants monitor their activities of daily living and identify any deficits so that appropriate rehabilitation is implemented at the right time.
Individuals receive care from a team of experts that includes a physiatrist (rehabilitation physician), physician assistant, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, an oncology massage therapist, psychologist, acupuncturist and registered dietician.
“All cancer survivors in need, whether they are beginning treatment, finished with treatment, or experiencing late effects or unresolved issues from long-ago treatment can benefit from these services,” Lucas explains.
IPMR’s first cancer prehabilitation class is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m., at its Peoria North location, 6501 N. Sheridan Road. For more information about IPMR’s STAR-certified cancer prehabilitation services, call 309-839-0470.
IPMR first opened its doors in 1950. What began as a small non-profit center for physical medicine and rehabilitative care has grown into one of the most comprehensive therapy institutes in the United States. With more than 21 service locations with eight outpatient clinics, IPMR continues to grow and expand its services. IPMR is a CARF-accredited non-profit rehabilitation center. Our complete range of services includes 63 separate therapies with six unique programs. Our physicians practice in all Peoria-area hospitals and serve the greater community by traveling to five outlying hospitals for consultations and EMG testing. Unique to IPMR are comprehensive wellness programs such as acupuncture, massage therapy, specialty exercise and senior adult day services.