Basics in Oncology-General Clinical Practice
Cancer is the most prevalent, disabling and costly health care condition for people in developed countries and presently impacts greater than 50% of the general population. This course will focus on an introduction to cancer pathology and its treatment and give clinicians an understanding of the disease and its impact on hematological, neurological, metabolic, and muscular function. In addition, the causes and mechanisms underlying cancer related pain, fatigue, and weakness will be covered in detail to provide a foundation for cancer patient assessment and choice of physiotherapy treatment modalities in general practice.
Objectives:
- Recognize and understand the unique rehabilitation needs related to:
- Cancer pathology and medical treatment interventions
- The specific effects of surgical, chemotherapeutic and radiation protocols on functional capacity including: generalized hematological and metabolic alterations, disease and treatment related muscular weakness, chronic residual pain, cancer fatigue, and neurological dysfunction
- On the basis of the effects of cancer and treatment:
- Derive an assessment plan with use of specific testing and outcome measures
- Use the proposed framework for decision-making to choose appropriate rehabilitation or exercise interventions for patients with present or past diagnosis of cancer