Physical rehabilitation of the cancer patient.

Significant numbers of cancer patients have physical limitations as a result of their cancer or its treatment. Most commonly, this impairment results from prolonged bed rest and deconditioning syndrome or neurologic loss frequently coupled with deconditioning. What few studies have been done show that functional improvement through rehabilitation does occur. For many cancer patients, rehabilitation is an appropriate option, viewed favorably by patients and their families. However, as opposed to other causes of impairment, the benefits and goals of rehabilitation must be carefully weighed in concert with the goals of the cancer patient, all in an effort to add to his or her quality of life.