All physiatrists will treat patients with cancer, yet many receive limited training in the specific considerations needed to accurately diagnose and manage impairments in these patients. This course provides physiatrists with practical tools to care for patients with newly diagnosed cancer, long-term survivors, and individuals with advanced disease.
Participants will engage in small-group, case-based breakout sessions organized around four distinct themes: breast cancer, hematologic malignancies, CNS tumors, and gastrointestinal malignancies. Across these themes, cases will highlight common functional, medical, and psychosocial issues encountered across cancer types.
Each breakout session will be led by expert faculty, allowing participants to actively discuss cases, ask questions, and learn from peers and faculty with deep experience in cancer rehabilitation.
All physiatrists—regardless of subspecialty focus—play a critical role in cancer care. This course prepares participants to confidently evaluate risk, optimize function, and deliver safe, effective rehabilitation for patients who need it most.
Who Should Attend
Physiatrists who may encounter patients with a history of cancer in their practice.
Learning Objectives
At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the the long-term effects of cancer treatment across a variety of malignancies, including pain, musculoskeletal dysfunction, cardiopulmonary deficits, and cognitive changes.
- Identify stable and unstable bony changes in patients with cancer and determine appropriate management strategies for associated symptoms.
- Evaluate cancer-specific safety considerations when prescribing physiatric interventions, including cytopenias, treatment-related toxicities, and heightened fracture risk.
- Recognize financial and psychosocial stressors faced by cancer survivors that may impact rehabilitation planning.
- Explain how the prognosis, including functional status and life expectancy, influences rehabilitation planning in patients with cancer.