Cancer treatment is very stressful for those affected. After chemotherapy or surgery due to cancer, usually not only the body but also the mind is weakened. Oncology rehabilitation can help cancer patients recover after treatment. Oncology is the name given to the science that deals with cancer. During oncology rehab, patients receive therapy and counseling tailored to their needs. Afterward, many cancer patients find it easier to return to their daily lives.
Benefits of rehab after cancer
Rehab after cancer is intended to alleviate possible side effects of the disease or treatment. Likewise, it is intended to ensure the success of the treatment and prevent possible limitations or late effects caused by the cancer. In rehab, the cancer patient receives support and counseling specifically tailored to his or her disease. This also includes, if necessary, further measures against the cancer. Rehab after cancer often also helps patients make the transition back into everyday life. This measure is called social rehabilitation. It is intended to prevent cancer patients from remaining isolated from their social environment or experiencing restrictions and discrimination after their illness. Since rehab primarily increases patients’ sense of well-being, they often find it easier to return to work afterwards. The so-called psycho-oncological measures make a major contribution to increasing well-being. Psychooncology is a special form of psychotherapy that deals with the psychological and social side effects and consequences of cancer.
Procedure of inpatient rehabilitation after cancer
Exactly what rehab looks like following a cancer illness and treatment, and which measures are carried out, depends on the type of cancer as well as the individual course of the illness. Many cancer patients opt for a so-called follow-up rehabilitation (follow-up treatment) after the end of their treatment. Such follow-up treatment usually takes place directly after cancer treatment or after a break of only a few days. Oncological rehabilitation is usually carried out in a special clinic and lasts about three weeks.
Measures during rehab after cancer
The clinics that offer oncological rehab must meet special quality requirements and be able to demonstrate experience in the various therapeutic areas. Measures during rehab after cancer include, for example:
- Medical treatments
- Physiotherapy and athletic training
- Psychological consultations
- Discussion groups and lectures
- Relaxation techniques
- Social counseling
- Creative therapies such as music, art or dance therapies.
- Nutritional counseling
Some clinics also specialize in individual cancers and offer a program specifically designed for certain types of cancer. Generally, the patient contains a specially tailored to him after arrival, which consists of various measures. The various program points take place partly alone, but also in small groups.
Oncological rehab is also possible on an outpatient basis
Those who do not want to carry out their oncological rehab as an inpatient may be able to resort to outpatient rehab facilities. Here, treatment usually begins in the morning and ends in the late afternoon or evening. However, it should be noted that outpatient rehab facilities are not yet available throughout Germany. For cancer patients, there are also many accompanying outpatient measures that can be carried out instead of rehab or in addition to it. These include, for example, psycho-oncological counseling over a longer period of time. In addition, regular physiotherapeutic measures are also important to remedy physical complaints or prevent possible physical problems. To achieve this, attending a rehabilitation sports group can also be beneficial. Here, cancer patients are not only offered an exercise program tailored specifically to them, but can also exchange ideas with others affected.
Who bears the costs for rehab after cancer?
Normally, the costs of oncological rehabilitation are covered by the health insurance. In the case of statutory health insurance, depending on the type of measures, a co-payment must be made in some cases, from which, however, one can be exempted under certain circumstances. For privately insured cancer patients, the regulations are the same as for those with statutory insurance. Nevertheless, it must always be clarified in each individual case whether rehabilitation services are included in the respective contract. Depending on the insurance situation and the measures carried out in rehab, the costs can also be covered by the statutory pension insurance, the statutory accident insurance or, in the case of civil servants and soldiers, by the federal and state governments. A cancer patient can only choose a clinic for his rehab that meets the requirements demanded by the insurance company. Especially if the rehabilitation is to take place directly after the cancer treatment, it is not always possible to get a place in one’s preferred clinic.
Is oncology rehabilitation effective?
Various studies have shown that rehab significantly reduced the symptoms caused by cancer and cancer treatment. The positive effect of rehab after cancer lasted especially long when outpatient measures continued after inpatient rehabilitation. Rehab had the strongest effects on the patient’s psychosocial well-being. In addition, patients who were moderately to severely stressed by their disease benefited most from rehab.
Rehab after cancer treatment is not a must
Although rehab after cancer treatment is useful in many cases, no cancer patient is required to participate in rehab after their treatment ends. You can discuss whether rehab is necessary and reasonable with your treating physician. Normally, he or she will explain possible rehab measures after the end of treatment or after a successful operation. The attending physician can also explain to you exactly what a rehab program tailored specifically to you would look like. In addition to the attending physician, you can also contact hospital social services to plan your rehabilitation.
