The Role of Occupational Therapy in Cancer Rehabilitation

(Continued from previous)

Some cancer survivors are at risk for the development of lymphedema (a chronic swelling condition) that can negatively impact activities of daily living. The gold standard of care for lymphedema therapy is complex decongestive therapy (CDT), which consists of skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, and compression. Therapy for lymphedema is most often provided by occupational or physical therapists. While CDT is not a cure for lymphedema, it can help control the symptoms of edema, limb heaviness, skin changes from radiation fibrosis, decreased range of motion, and disfigurement. Occupational therapy incorporates strategies to address survivor needs, as well as collaborate with the care team for development of appropriate treatment plans to treat survivors through the continuum of care. The occupational therapist’s role in oncology rehabilitation through the survivorship continuum is a shift of focus from traditional rehabilitation to addressing quality of life, anticipating and setting goals for any future disability and equipment needs, providing family education and support, and recommending appropriate referrals to community resources, local support groups and supportive care services, and national organizations.