Cancer Rehabilitation
Specializing in cancer rehab doesn’t just mean treating patients with cancer, it means understanding that the approach must be different. It means knowing and understanding the various treatment options and the impact these treatments have on your body. It means knowing the cadence of your course of care and working with you to get the best outcome possible.
At WakeMed, we are committed to providing you the best possible cancer care before, during and after cancer treatment. Our multidisciplinary cancer rehabilitation team of physicians and therapists specialize in the management of physical and emotional effects that may result from cancer and its treatment.
Our program offers one-on-one, evidence-based treatment to help you stay as strong and healthy as possible and is provided on inpatient and outpatient basis.
What is Prehab?
Cancer rehabilitation can be started at any time after a diagnosis of cancer. When used before treatment, it’s often known as cancer prehabilitation or cancer prehab.
Cancer prehab prepares patients for treatment and the rehabilitation that follows, and it can help prevent or manage the many side effects of cancer while improving your function, health and quality of life.
Your Care Team
Cancer rehabilitation is provided by specially trained rehabilitation professionals who understand how cancer and cancer treatment affect individuals and their families. Your rehab team could include:
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech-Language Therapists
- Lymphedema Specialists
- Pulmonary Therapists
- Registered Dietitians
- Pelvic Health Therapists
- Exercise and Fitness Specialists
- Neuropsychologists
- Psychologist
Benefits of Cancer Rehabilitation
Our program tailors care to your unique needs, from the time you’re diagnosed until long after treatment ends. Together, we can help you:
- Improve your endurance, strength, mobility and balance
- Address swallowing, chewing and nutritional issues
- Address neuropathy and skin changes
- Prevent and or manage swelling related to lymphedema
- Make the activities of daily living and caring for yourself easier
- Address incontinence, pelvic pain and sexual health
- Reduce fatigue, pain and other lingering side effects
- Stay as active and independent as possible and return to work or other life roles
- Increase your confidence, self-esteem and cognitive function
- Help you cope with anxiety, distress or other emotional issues
Referrals
Cancer rehab services are available by physician referral. Referrals can be made through Epic or by faxing orders to 919-235-1328 or by calling 919-350-7000.