Palliative care programs can prove beneficial for patients with advanced cancer, a new research suggests.
Canadian researchers found that rehabilitation programs that include exercise, nutritional counseling and symptom management have positive effects on cancer patients.
"Cancer rehabilitation is a process that assists a person with a cancer diagnosis to obtain optimal physical, social, psychological and vocational functioning within the limits created by the disease and its treatment," said Dr. Martin Chasen, Division of Palliative Care, élisabeth-Bruyère Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, according to the press release.
For the study, researchers conducted an evidence review and analysed various rehabilitation programs available in different hospitals in Canada. Their analysis showed that such rehab programs helped ease the cancer patient's symptoms such as fatigue and physical endurance. Patients who were a part of the program also reported better mood and improved life quality.
According to the researchers, cancer patients should be given such programs early in their treatment. The program takes into consideration a combination of different factors that can help the patient fight their cancer more effectively.
The team also emphasized that advanced cancer patients receive immense benefit through the palliative care programs and they should be included as a part of their ongoing care.
"When caring for patients, we may limit our horizons if we fail to recognize the influence of their psychological state, nutrition, physical activity, symptoms and functional status on their disease and response to therapy," the authors explained. "A truly comprehensive care program will incorporate elements that address each of these aspects. We propose that current evidence and community expectations are sufficient to encourage Canadian cancer centers to consider establishing full rehabilitation research models for patients with advanced cancer."
The study was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).
