Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Health Sciences Faculty released a statement titled “The Importance of Rehabilitation Approaches in Cancer” on the 1-7 April Cancer Week.
The statement released by EMU Health Sciences Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department academic staff member Asst. Prof. Dr. Gözde İyigün and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department research assistant physiotherapist Ferdiye Zabit reads as follows: Cancer is a deadly global health problem. It is estimated that cancer will claim over 11 million lives by 2030. However, cancer doesn’t always mean death. It is important to know that cancer leads to important changes in lifestyles. The life span of cancer patients has increased as a result of an increase in diagnosis and treatment methods. Increased life spans make quality of life more important. Therefore cancer treatment should be carried out by a team”.
The Importance of Oncologic Rehabilitation
“An oncologic rehabilitation team must be formed to develop functionality of individuals and increase their quality of life. Physiotherapists are one of the most important parts of rehabilitation teams as they play a role in decreasing the effects of many negative factors such as fatigue, weakness, pain, loss of sound, bowel dysfunctions as well as complications caused by bed rest.”
Exercise Treatment
“Studies have shown that patients who take exercise therapy during chemotherapy and radiotherapy have better physical functioning than patients who don’t receive exercise therapy. They also have fewer physiological complaints as well as complaints of fatigue and other symptoms caused by the treatment they are receiving.”
The Possibilities of Witnessing Lymphedema
“The possibility of witnessing lymphedema after breast cancer is between 9 and 30%. Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling in the arms, legs (and sometimes body caused) by a compromised lymphatic system. It has indications such as edema, heaviness, tension, discomfort, recurrent infection and thickening of skin. Lymphedema therapy can only be applied by certified expert physiotherapists. Exercise, aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises along with compression cause significant improvement for patients with lymphedema complaints.”
Rehabilitation Practices in EMU
“In addition to these, stretching exercises such as Pilates, yoga, Tai-Chi and water exercises can be ascribed. All of these approaches must be carried out under the supervision of a physiotherapist to prevent possible harm. The EMU Health Sciences Faculty, Centre of Healthy Life contains an Oncologic Rehabilitation Unit which aims to decrease the problems and side-effects of medical or surgical treatment, protect and increase physical functioning, provide exercise to increase life-span and quality of life, postural re-education, massages, pain inhibiting physiotherapy modalities, neurodevelopment treatment methods for children, hearing, perception and cognitive education, approaches which lead to independence in activities of daily life, orthosis and aiding equipment as well as family education. In addition briefing regarding community health and cancer risk factors are provided as well as on briefing on the importance of physical activity and exercise.
