According to the American Cancer Society, 1.5 million new cases of cancer will have been diagnosed in the United States in 2009. In addition, the lifetime probability of being diagnosed with invasive cancer is 44% for men and 37% for women. The current five-year relative survival rate (adjusted for normal life expectancy) is estimated to be 66%, although this varies considerably depending on the type of cancer and stage of the disease at diagnosis.

Because of ongoing advances in cancer research, detection, treatment, and overall management strategies, survivors have seen significant increases in the survival rate as they are now living longer than ever before. Unfortunately, the effects of cancer itself, combined with more prolonged and toxic treatment interventions, have adversely affected both function and quality of life.

At present, there are more than 11 Million cancer survivors in the United States. Faced with longer survivorship, some of the most common side effects resulting from cancer treatment (fatigue, general weakness, shortness of breath, poor endurance, nausea, movement and soft tissue restrictions) are often persistent, debilitating and devastating to cancer patients. Physical abilities, lifestyle choices and normal daily routines are often negatively impacted, leading to a lower quality of life for survivors.

Oncology Rehabilitation is uniquely positioned to address these disabling physical impairments due to cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Oncology Rehabilitation has been proven to be beneficial prior to, during, and after completion of formal cancer treatment. Our rehabilitation interventions can enhance survivors’ physical health and well being, as well as improve overall function and restore quality of life.

As San Diego's only Oncology Rehabilitation specialty practice offering comprehensive lymphedema and cancer rehabilitation services, we are uniquely positioned to address the many functional and lifestyle deficits that result from cancer and cancer treatment intervention.