Cancer programs
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Cancer Programs: A Comprehensive Overview
Physical Activity Programs for Cancer Survivors
Preferences and Benefits of Physical Activity (PA) Programs
Cancer survivors show a strong interest in participating in physical activity (PA) programs, with walking being the most preferred modality. Most survivors favor moderate-intensity activities and prefer programs that can be conducted at home, particularly in the morning. Tailoring these programs to individual preferences can significantly enhance participation and adherence, leading to improved physical, psychological, and emotional health outcomes.
Community-Based Exercise Programs
Community-based exercise programs for cancer survivors are increasingly recognized for their potential benefits. These programs, conducted outside of research laboratories, often involve home-based or community settings. Key characteristics include partnerships and collaborations within the community, although there is a need for more detailed reporting on implementation processes. These programs are crucial for providing accessible and supportive environments for cancer survivors to engage in regular physical activity.
Prehabilitation Programs
Impact of Prehabilitation on Surgical Outcomes
Prehabilitation programs, which focus on exercise training before surgical treatment, aim to improve health-related quality of life, muscular strength, and reduce postoperative complications. However, current evidence from randomized controlled trials is inconclusive, with studies showing no clear benefits over usual care. The quality of evidence is low, indicating a need for further research to establish the effectiveness of these programs.
Self-Management Programs
Overview and Critique of Existing Programs
Self-management programs are essential for guiding cancer patients in their self-care journey. Six prominent programs—Taking CHARGE, Expert Patients Programme, Living with Cancer Education Program, Focus Program, PRO-SELF Program, and Oncologist-referred exercise self-management program—have been widely studied. However, these programs often lack facilitator training, fail to consider cultural differences, and do not cover all relevant outcome measures. Future programs should be more individualized and dynamic to better meet the needs of cancer patients .
Integrative Oncology Programs
Combining Conventional and Complementary Care
Integrative oncology programs, which combine conventional cancer treatments with complementary therapies, are growing in number. These programs aim to provide whole-person, patient-centered care and are often situated within hospitals or community settings. They are supported by various funding sources, including donations, cancer agencies, and private foundations. Research indicates that these programs can improve quality of life and provide comprehensive care for cancer patients.
Multidimensional Rehabilitation Programs
Effectiveness on Health-Related Quality of Life
Multidimensional rehabilitation programs, which include exercise, sports, psycho-education, and information sessions, have shown significant benefits for cancer survivors. These programs improve health-related quality of life, exercise capacity, and muscle strength. Most patients prefer these comprehensive programs over single-component interventions, highlighting the importance of addressing multiple aspects of cancer recovery.
Internet-Based Support Programs
Alleviating Psychosocial and Physical Symptoms
Internet-based support programs are effective in alleviating psychosocial and physical symptoms in cancer patients. These programs include social support groups, online therapy, and integrated information and coaching services. They have been shown to improve outcomes such as fatigue, social support, and distress, making them valuable tools for cancer patient support.
Conclusion
Cancer programs, ranging from physical activity and prehabilitation to self-management and integrative oncology, play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for cancer survivors. Tailoring these programs to individual preferences and needs, ensuring comprehensive care, and leveraging community and internet-based resources are key strategies for optimizing their effectiveness. Further research and development are needed to address existing gaps and enhance the impact of these programs on cancer survivorship.
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