‘So what happens now?’ Issues in Cancer survival and rehabilitation

Abstract

As cancer survival rates continue to improve, it is necessary to consider the needs of those who will have completed treatment and must return to life out with the relative safety of the hospital. Recent policy initiatives, such as the NICE (2004) Supportive & Palliative Care Guidelines. http://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed 07/05/2006., provide a vehicle to examine the rehabilitation services available and ensure they are provided as effectively as possible. The lack of available research evidence on this topic suggests the need for a program of studies adopting an evaluative focus. The experiences of one specialist cancer setting are used in the paper to illustrate the approach adopted to promote the values of patient-centered cancer rehabilitation. It is argued that further investment is needed to ensure that all cancer patients receive adequate rehabilitation and long-term support following episodes of acute cancer care.