Cancer Rehabilitation Program

Recovering from Cancer

Cancer, and the treatment of cancer, can cause significant physical and cognitive problems for patients -- including those with active cancer and people who have not had treatment for years. This can include pain, weakness, fatigue, clouded thinking, problems walking, problems returning to work, and many more.

Fortunately, the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center offers comprehensive rehabilitation services for people with a history of cancer to maintain and restore quality of life, function, and overall well-being.

Dr. Sean Smith is the medical director of the Cancer Rehabilitation Program.

What is Cancer Rehabilitation?

Cancer Rehabilitation is a team-based, sometimes comprehensive approach to helping people get their lives back on track before, during, and after cancer treatment. Since everyone has a unique medical history, you will be given an individualized plan to help you recover from symptoms associated with cancer.

Typically, this begins at a clinic visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician -- sometimes called a physiatrist -- but can also include many other team members. Your rehabilitation physician will also help you to get to any other providers that may be able to help.

What problems can rehabilitation help with?

Listen as Dr. Sean Smith, director of cancer rehabilitation talks about the importance after treatment to not only help with maintaining strength but also as a form of pain management. Or, read/download the cancer rehabilitation transcript.

Joint pain
Back pain
Neck pain and cramps
Neuropathy
Muscle weakness and pain
Fibrosis from radiation and/or surgery
Muscle cramps
Fatigue
General conditioning
Lymphedema
Late effects of radiation therapy
Cognitive impairment ("Chemobrain" and others)
Bowel and bladder problems
Depression and anxiety as it relates to changes in your physical or cognitive function
Jaw opening problems
. . . And many more!