The role of physiotherapy in cancer care in the europe region: a position paper of the cancer working group of europe region world physiotherapy

Abstract

Background Physiotherapists have strong knowledge and skills to deal with many of the functional problems that result from cancer treatment. The role of physiotherapy spans from cancer prevention to palliative and end of life care. Physiotherapeutic interventions offer a solution for many of the impairments experienced by patients living with and beyond cancer such as declines in physical function and quality of life. Specialized physiotherapeutic interventions can manage complex cancer-related side effects. The aim of this position paper is to outline the role of physiotherapy in the cancer journey. Material and methods The research was performed by eleven physiotherapy experts in oncology between May and October 2021 by using PubMed, PeDro and clinical guidelines databases. The search was divided according to the phases of the cancer journey: primary and secondary prevention, prehabilitation, during cancer treatment, post-treatment cancer rehabilitation, long-term rehabilitation of people living after cancer and advanced cancer. The role of physiotherapy is described and statements for each phase are developed. The final text was reviewed by three external reviewers, who provided feedback to improve the final version. Results Ten statements were developed by the authors, including general statements and statements for the different phases of the cancer journey. An infographic compiles all the statements providing a general and graphic vision of the role of physiotherapy in cancer care, based on the evidence. Conclusions Physiotherapists play an increasingly important role in the multidisciplinary care of cancer survivors. Many oncology physiotherapists have skills that can help to manage cancer-related impairments such as lymphedema, functional decline and cancer-related fatigue. Physiotherapists have strong knowledge and skills to deal with many of the functional problems that result from cancer treatment. Rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, should be integrated at the point of diagnosis to assess an individual's baseline functional performance status and inform about the cancer care plan.