Cancer specialists are calling for rehabilitation to become a standard part of treatment after studies highlighted the benefits of guided exercise. According to an international trial, colon cancer patients participating in rehab exercise after their treatment were 28% less likely to have the cancer return and their survival rate increased by 37%, prompting calls for exercise to be treated as an important health intervention.
Why is cancer rehabilitation considered a vital health intervention?
Oncologist Dr Rosalie Stephens emphasizes that structured movement should be seen as a medicine and not as a luxury. Research indicates that guided physical activity assists patients in managing the toll of cancer treatment. Dr Stephens notes that structured exercise “helps with how people cope with treatment… their mental health and importantly, how likely they are to survive cancer”.
Referrals to the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation’s programme surged by more than 50% last year, highlighting the growing demand for accessible, guided exercise programs.
How do rehabilitation programs support the recovery process?
For many patients, rehabilitation provides a structured environment. Oncology physiotherapist Kirsten Rose explains that classes accommodate a “really wide range of ability”, from those “building themselves up from scratch, all the way through to people who maybe are feeling better or they’re further down the track”.
Diane Robertson, a patient in recovery, describes the experience as “life-changing.” She highlights that the group setting removes the burden of explaining one’s medical history. “You don’t need to explain, you don’t need to talk about your treatment or your disease,” Robertson says. Her participation in a summer paddleboarding programme allowed her to safely regain strength under professional monitoring, illustrating how tailored activities can restore a sense of normalcy.
The gap between clinical demand and current funding
Despite the medical evidence, access to funded physiotherapy and guided exercise remains limited. Lou James, founder of the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation, reports that many patients are often “really shocked to learn that the rehabilitation part of cancer is not a standard part of care, nor is it funded”. Currently, access often depends on a patient’s personal ability to pay or their capacity to advocate for their own needs.
Current Status vs. Clinical Recommendations
| Category | Current Situation | Expert Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Limited; often out-of-pocket | Standard part of treatment |
| Prescription | Often informal | Prescribed as medicine |
Health Minister Simeon Brown stated that he expected patients to be able to access the care they need in a timely manner and was seeking further information on the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can exercise really improve cancer survival rates? Yes, studies highlight the benefits of guided exercise to prevent recurrence and even death, with international trials showing increased survival rates.
- Is cancer rehabilitation currently funded? It is not a standard part of care, nor is it funded, often leaving patients to rely on charities or personal funding.
- What should I look for in a rehabilitation program? Ideally, look for programs led by professionals who can monitor your physical limits and adjust activities based on your treatment stage.
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