Wednesday 8 October 2014

Cancer Rehabilitation: An Update and Discussion on Future Care


Workshop by Dr. Julie Silver at American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine

Nicole Stout and Dr. Julie Silver at the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine in Toronto Oct 8, 2014

Today at the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, I was fortunate to have attended a workshop with Dr. Julie Silver, co-founder of Oncology Rehab Partners, an associate professor at Harvard and a breast cancer survivor. I have been reading her cancer rehab research over the past couple years and it was a thrill to hear her speak.

Her message to the medical professionals (oncologists, physiotherapists, physiatrists, nurses) in the room was simple. Cancer cases are expected to surge by 57% worldwide in the next 20 years. People are surviving cancer like never before, but many are living with impairments. Cancer rehabilitation should be provided to address these impairments and yet their needs are consistently not being met leading to disability that could have been prevented.

Nicole Stout Spoke on the Value of Cancer Rehabilitation to Policy Makers and Clinicians

The second speaker of the day, was Nicole Stout, a physical therapist and clinical researcher for the National Institute of Health. She is best known for the Prospective Surveillance Model for Breast Cancer patients. Once again I was awed to be in her presence as she has done so much to elevate the profession of physical therapy with her cancer rehab research and her involvement with policy development on many levels. She feels that the value of Cancer Rehabilitation is finally being appreciated by policy makers and clinicians across the USA, but we are still having difficulty operationalizing its delivery.

Highlights of the 2013 Institute of Medicine Report "Delivering High Quality Cancer Care" 

The 2013 Institute of Medicine report on “Delivering High Quality Cancer Care” concluded that we need to re-examine how we can work together to improve the quality of life and outcomes for people facing a cancer diagnosis. In Canada, it seems that Cancer Rehabilitation is often considered optional and it is time that we include it as part of our standard of care for all cancer patients. This would involve a shared model of care, where the every patient is screened for impairments along their continuum of care and the appropriate rehab intervention is provided in an effort to avoid chronic disability and instead return them to happy and productive lives.


Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Tuesday 7 October 2014

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Assist with Prostate Cancer & Treatment Side Effects


By Laura Ritchie, MPT, MCISc (Manip), FCAMPT
Registered Physiotherapist,  Centric Health Physiotherapy and Wellness, London, Ontario

Prostate Cancer and its Treatment Discussed in Webinar by Dr. Bobby Shayegan

On October 3, 2014 I listened to an interesting webinar on prostate cancer and its treatment, presented by Dr. Bobby Shayegan and hosted by the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network.

Dr. Shayegan is currently an associate professor in the department of surgery at McMaster University.  He received his MD and completed his urology residency from the University of Toronto.  He subsequently pursued a fellowship in urologic oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

After the webinar I asked Dr. Shayegan a question about the potential side effects of treatment for this type of cancer. He reported that stress incontinence is a common short-term concern following surgery, while urgency incontinence and bleeding are more likely following radiation therapy.

Dr. Shayegan added that sexual dysfunction can occur with both types of treatment and that with radiation in particular, at least half of patients develop erectile dysfunction over time (but not necessarily right away).

How Physiotherapists with Specialized Training in Cancer Rehabilitation Can Help with Prostate Cancer Side Effects

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can assist with both urological and sexual dysfunction.

Dr. Shayegan also reported bones can become thinner and weaker as a result of treatment and that weight-bearing is recommended to counter this. Physiotherapists with specialized training in Cancer Rehabilitation can prescribe a safe and effective exercise program for this purpose.

The webinar is still available for viewing on the CCSN website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Thursday 2 October 2014

LifeMark-Centric Health Proud Sponsor of Calgary Run For The Cure


Calgary Team Assembles for CIBC Run For the Cure

LifeMark-Centric Health has entered a team for the CIBC Run/Walk For the Cure for the past several years
For the past several years, LifeMark-Centric Health has entered a team for the CIBC Run/Walk For the Cure, and this year is no exception! Headed by Barb Morrison, the goal is to have 50 walkers and runners participating on the LifeMark-Centric Health team. Anyone wishing to help build the team or donate can do so at the registration page.

LifeMark-Centric Health Massage Therapists and Physiotherapists Donate Their Time at the Run


Several LifeMark massage therapists and physiotherapists in Calgary will be volunteering their time at the Calgary Run For the Cure. They are offering free massage and physio treatments to participants and attendees who need to get the kinks out and sore muscles soothed.

LifeMark massage therapists and physiotherapists in Calgary volunteer their time at the event

New T-Shirts Accentuate Cancer Rehab's Focus on Your Care


The new t-shirts for Team LifeMark-Centric Health were designed by Barb Morrison, LifeMark Clinic Director
Barb has designed special Cancer Rehab t-shirts for the event which will be worn proudly by the LifeMark-Centric staff.

LifeMark-Centric Health Booth Informs Calgary Run For the Cure Participants of the Benefits of Physiotherapy


Calgary LifeMark staff put the finishing touches on the Calgary Run For the Cure booth
The LifeMark-Centric Health booth has a wealth of information describing how physiotherapy can help you. Along with cancer rehabilitation, other techniques address pain management, dizziness, orthotics and bracing, post-surgical rehabilitation and sports injuries.

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How to Get Cancer Rehabilitation


Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia