SUPERVISED CANCER REHABILITATION: APPLICATIONS FOR UTILIZING EXISTING CARDIOPULMONARY REHABILITATION FACILITIES FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS

Currently, the NIH reports there are approximately 18 million Americans with a history of cancer. Cancer statistics are projected to rise to 22.1 million by 2030. In addition to cancer, cardiovascular diseases are globally the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. The body of research in this area clearly demonstrates that greater amounts of physical activity correspond with a lower risk of cancer recurrence and all-cause mortality, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise rehabilitation success in cancer patients, both during and after treatment, is limited by several barriers, including the lack of facilities, trained personnel and financial resources. In response to this medical need, it seems logical for oncology patients to be able to utilize current cardiac rehabilitation models. Cardio-oncology rehabilitation is a multi-component exercise-based intervention. Current projections suggest that few adjustments to current cardiac rehabilitation models would be needed to address the oncology rehabilitation model, although strategic differences to be addressed include addressing the adverse effects from certain chemotherapies, surgical interventions and lymphedema. Secondary to this narrative, there exists a bidirectional relationship between these two leading chronic diseases: in that cardiovascular diseases increase the likelihood of getting cancer and vice versa. Accordingly, use of cardiac facilities may extend the benefits of exercise beyond therapeutic applications to cancer, in that potential concerns related to CVD could also be addressed. Based on this rationale, the purpose of this professional paper will explore the utilization of existing staff and equipment currently being used in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CPR) field and how that can be utilized concomitantly with oncology rehabilitation populations.