Dr Deepika Saroj
World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4 to raise awareness about the cancer, promote its prevention, encourage early detection and support effective treatment for those affected . The day serves as a powerful reminder that cancer is not only a medical challenge but also a social , emotional, and economic issue that requires collective global action.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of the death world wide. It is a group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. If not detected and treated in time, these cells can invade near by tissues and spread to distant organs, leading to severe complications and death. There are more than 100 typed of cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer etc., each with different causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in India. As per recent estimates by National Health Agencies, India records around 14-15 lakh new cancer cases every year and nearly 8-9 lakhs deaths annually due to cancer. The burden is steadily growing due to population growth, ageing, urbanisation, life-style changes and environmental factors, Unlike many developed nations, a significant proportion of cancer cases in India are diagnosed at advanced stages, reducing survival rates and increasing treatment costs.
Cancer is just a chapter , not a whole story. It doesn’t have to define you. The Theme for this year’s World Cancer Day is “United by Unique” . This theme emphasises a people -centred approach, recognising that while this disease impacts millions , every individuals’ experience is shaped by his or her own emotional, social and medical reality which is unique for each individual.
Now a days sufferers have been vocal in breaking the various emotional, physical and financial barriers to encourage society to deal with problems more empathetically and compassionately ,to look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient.
Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis-it’s a deeply personal matter. Behind every diagnosis lies a unique story – stories of pain , grief, healing , resilience , love , affection , companionship and many more .So here comes the people centred approach for better health benefits. Its a three year theme, better to say journey from raising awareness to taking action.
Physiotherapy In Cancer Patients /Onco Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy in cancer care, or oncology physiotherapy, is a crucial, evidence-based practice for the cancer patients who have successfully completed their medication-assisted cancer treatment but are still experiencing adverse effects from chemotherapy and radiation to improve patient quality of life from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. It helps manage pain, fatigue, lymphedema, and muscle weakness while enhancing mobility and strength. Personalised exercise programs (aerobic, resistance, Pilates) and manual therapies are used to restore function, reduce treatment side effects, and aid rehabilitation .A physiotherapist makes an effort to rehabilitate (bring back to normal) in order to restore function, repair damage, enhance mobility, reduce stiffness and discomfort, and ultimately improve quality of life. Physiotherapy is crucial during the healing process. Physical challenges with flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and coordination are common during and after cancer treatment for many patients. Physiotherapy will aid in minimising the short- and long-term adverse effects of cancer treatment and also help to avoid needless handicaps.
Key Aspects of Onco- Physiotherapy:
Prehabilitation: Active, pre-op assessments and exercises to prepare the body for surgery, improving recovery times.
During Treatment: Exercises designed to manage cancer-related fatigue, nausea, and strength loss during chemotherapy or radiation.
Post-Treatment Rehabilitation: Focusing on restoring joint range of motion, reducing pain, and strengthening muscles.
Lymphedema Management: Specialised manual lymphatic drainage and compression techniques, particularly following breast cancer surgery.
Specific Improvements: Studies show that 15 sessions of coordination and balance training can significantly reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms like pain and tingling.
Benefits of Onco physiotherapy
* Getting moving can help you regain your strength, unwind, manage your stress, and get relief from pain, anxiety, and sadness.
* The first aim is to reduce the pain by pain reliving modalities and also to maintain joint range of motion by giving active and passive range of motion if required.
* Primary aim of the therapist is to gain muscular strength, flexibility and endurance.
Problems that physiotherapy can assist with
Fatigue: The most frequent side effect of cancer and treatment is fatigue. Studies have shown that cancer survivors’ fatigue symptoms can be improved with modest exercise.
Deconditioning: A physiotherapist is a medical specialist who can create a personalised workout plan to safely increase strength and cardiovascular endurance.
Injuries and tight joints: As a result of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or prolonged immobilisation, physiotherapists can recommend exercises to increase joint mobility.
Lymphedema: After radiation or surgical procedures for breast cancer, a side effect of the treatment. Due to a build-up of lymph fluid following surgery, the upper extremities experience prolonged swelling. Lymphedema can be improved with regular exercise, compression clothing, and manual therapy performed by physical therapists with specialized certifications.
Lower bone density: Drugs used in chemotherapy may lower bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
KEY AND CORE ROLE OF ONCO- PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Managing lymphoedema : Swelling from lymph fluid build up often in arms or legs caused due to the damage to the lymphatic system or treatment (lymph node removal), radiation disrupting fluid drainage .CDT(complete de congestive therapy) and massage therapy is extremely beneficial to prevent worsening.Exercises helps improving lymph drainage .
Eliminating pain: Using modalities and facial releases techniques
Improving mental health: Through various lifestyle modifications(diet and weight management) , skin care ,improving physical health thus improving mental health.
Considering the theme focussing on people centred approach , an Onco-physiotherapist listens , assesses and prehabilitate to rehabilitate the patient ,focussing on various complications off the much required treatment thus works on the physical and psychological health of the patient.
In nutshell, the role of an Onco-physiotherapist extends far beyond exercise prescription. As an integral member of the oncology healthcare team, the Onco-physiotherapist contributes to the prevention of complications, functional recovery, symptom management, and improved quality of life throughout the cancer care continuum. With the rising cancer burden, the importance of Onco-Physiotherapist in holistic patient -centred care is increasingly being recognised. Their interventions not only enhance physical independence but also restore hope, confidence and dignity in cancer patients.
(The author is Sr. Physiotherapist, GMC Jammu)
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