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On this episode of Oncology Unscripted, patient advocates Julie Johnson and Katie Coleman and radiation oncologist Dr. Matt Spraker host physical therapist Dr. Hillary Hinrichs and researcher Dr. Kelley Wood (@kcwood_phd on X) to discuss exercise and cancer rehabilitation.

We kick off our discussion with an important question. What is cancer rehabilitation, and how is this different than exercise?

Then, we discuss how patients can find out how cancer rehabilitation and exercise can play a role in their care. How can you ask your doctor whether you need a cancer rehab evaluation? How are doctors learning how to best use exercise and cancer rehab in their treatment plans?

We close the discussion by examining the benefits that cancer rehabilitation can provide throughout a patients course of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. Also, we review the risks and restrictions that may be important in the context of a cancer diagnosis.

Here are some resources that can help you find a rehabilitation therapist, such as a physical, occupational, or speech/swallow therapist:

• American Physical Therapy Association - Find a Physical Therapist or Specialist Therapist
• Lymphology Association of North America - Find a Lymphedema Therapist
• ReVital Cancer Rehab – Find a location

Check out the ACSM Exercise Is Medicine, Moving Through Cancer website, it's a great patient resource!

Here are some other things we discussed during the show:

• Schmitz et al., Exercise is medicine in oncology: Engaging clinicians to help patients move through cancer. (free access)
• Pergolotti et al., Impact of Real-World Outpatient Cancer Rehabilitation Services on Health-Related Quality of Life of Cancer Survivors. (free access)
• ECOG Performance Status
• 6-Minute Walk Test
• Timed Up and Go Test

Oncology Unscripted is a Photon Media production. Intro and Outro music by Emmy-award winning artist Lucas Cantor Santiago.

Additional content from Katie Coleman can be found at her website, https://www.katiekickscancer.com/.

This show and our opinions are meant for general informational purposes and are not medical advice. We encourage you to reach out to your doctors to discuss your individual case.