Occupational Therapy for Cancer Patients & Survivors

What are oncology rehab and occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy focuses on helping you return to activities that bring meaning to your life, ranging from self-care tasks to work-related activities to leisure pursuits. The goal is to enable you to live as independently and fully as possible. The best outcome of OT is also for you to return to your most meaningful roles, such as parent or grandparent, teammate, friend or provider.

Occupational therapists that specialize in oncology focus specifically on helping you manage and recover from the physical, emotional and functional challenges associated with cancer and its treatments. The goal is to provide team-based care to improve the quality of life for patients undergoing or who have completed cancer treatment.

How can oncology occupational therapy help my cancer symptoms and side effects?

No one ever chooses to take a journey with cancer. Through a holistic approach, occupational therapists aim to enhance your overall well-being, empowering you to regain a sense of control over your life during and after treatment. By focusing on functional outcomes and personalized care, occupational therapy in oncology rehab plays a vital role in the interdisciplinary team effort to support you through your cancer journey.

Key components of occupational therapy in oncology rehab include:

• Functional Assessment: Evaluating your abilities and identifying areas of difficulty in performing meaningful tasks.
• Activity Modification: Teaching techniques to conserve energy and adapt activities to reduce strain while promoting independence. Tools or devices may help adapt an activity.
• Physical Rehabilitation: Designing exercises and activities to improve strength, flexibility and endurance specific to your individual needs.
• Psychological/Cognitive Support: Providing emotional support and coping strategies to manage anxiety, depression and other psychological challenges associated with cancer treatment. Additionally, providing support for “chemo brain fog” — mild to moderate cognitive difficulties associated with attention, slow processing and memory — that can impact how you get through your daily routine.
• Education and Training: Offering guidance to you and your caregivers on adaptive equipment, home modifications and strategies to optimize safety and independence.

Common conditions we treat

Our oncology occupational therapy and rehab services can help manage and treat a variety of cancer-related issues, including:

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. This can happen when surgery or radiation removes or damages lymph nodes. Swelling can also occur because of the medication you are taking. We can help you manage this by showing you how to use compression wrapping, lymphatic drainage massage, exercise and compression garments to reduce swelling.

Difficulty with activities of daily living

Activities of daily living (ADLs) are tasks and self-care activities essential for personal independence and daily functioning. They are fundamental to health, hygiene and overall quality of life. They can include more basic activities like bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and mobility. They can also include more complex activities like managing finances, shopping, housekeeping, meal preparation and communication.

Cancer and its treatments can significantly impact ADLs. High-level activities and occupations may also be affected, such as returning to work and caring for a child or older adult. Occupational therapy can focus on addressing challenges limiting your activities, helping you adapt to changes and improving your quality of life.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment

Cancer-related cognitive impairment, sometimes referred to as “chemo-brain” or “chemo fog,” is a condition where cancer patients experience cognitive difficulties as a result of cancer and its treatments. These subtle impairments can affect various aspects of thinking and mental functioning, and they may occur during or after cancer treatment. Common symptoms are memory problems, concentration issues, processing speed, executive functioning and spatial awareness. We can help you cope with these cognitive impairments with tools like education, memory aids and cognitive strategies.

Cancer-related fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is a persistent and debilitating sense of exhaustion or weakness experienced by cancer patients. It is different from ordinary tiredness or fatigue and does not always improve with rest or sleep. This type of fatigue can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your ability to carry out daily activities, engage in work and participate in social or recreational activities. OT can help through lifestyle management, energy conservation techniques and emotional support.

Cancer-related physical limitations

Cancer and its treatments can lead to various physical limitations that can affect your daily life and overall functioning. Examples are reduced strength, limited joint mobility, decreased balance and pain. We can help get you back to moving independently and without pain again. Occupational therapists may be able to identify ways to manage pain without additional medications.

Learn more about MUSC Health Occupational Therapy Programs.

Early intervention

Cancer occupational therapy isn’t just about recovering from treatment effects after the fact. It’s also about preparing your body to begin treatment. Treatment for cancer can worsen existing issues, such as arthritis, so an occupational therapy consultation as soon as you receive your diagnosis may help you better prepare and prevent current issues from becoming more of a problem.