Cancer Care

Physiotherapists in the Cancer Care Multidisciplinary Team provide individual assessment, treatment, and advice to patients with a diagnosis of cancer at any stage of their cancer journey.

In-Hospital physiotherapy

Are you receiving or recovering from cancer or haematological treatment? Specially trained Cancer Care Physiotherapists at RBWH have a detailed understanding of these conditions and the effects treatment may have on you. Your Physiotherapists will work alongside your medical, nursing and health team to manage the effects of cancer or cancer treatments while you are in hospital.

In-hospital Physiotherapy may include:

• thorough assessment of your overall function
• a tailored program to meet your specific needs and goals
• treatment for breathing issues, to help clear secretions or improve shortness of breath
• treatment for weakness and limited mobility (your Physiotherapist will assess your overall strength and ability and provide a program for your condition. They may also provide walking equipment for use in hospital)
• assisting you to regain strength, fitness and balance
• planning what help you may need when you go home, including any walking equipment and exercises to help you to continue to improve
• assisting to manage your pain. This may be with advice on the best ways to move, and other strategies
• assessment and management of swelling.

Outpatient physiotherapy

Are you receiving or recovering from cancer or haematological treatment? Specially trained Cancer Care Physiotherapists at RBWH have a detailed understanding of these conditions and the effects that treatment may have on you. Your Physiotherapists will work with you to manage the effects of cancer or cancer treatments through outpatient appointments.   They will work closely with your medical, nursing and health team.

Outpatient Physiotherapy may include:

• thorough assessment of your overall function
• a tailored program to meet your specific needs and goals
• treatment for weakness, limited mobility and fatigue
• assisting to regain your strength, fitness and balance
• assisting to manage your pain. This may be with advice on the best ways to move, and other strategies
• assisting to regain your joint movement after cancer surgery or treatment
• assessment and education before breast cancer surgery
• monitoring for signs of swelling after breast cancer surgery
• assisting your recovery of shoulder movement and strength after breast cancer surgery
• assessment and management of swelling
• treatment for breathing issues, to help clear secretions or improve shortness of breath
• exercise classes or exercise in water if appropriate to your condition and needs.

Referral

Inpatient physiotherapy referrals may be requested by your doctors or other members of your health team.

Outpatient physiotherapy referrals are needed from your doctor or other health professional to have an appointment with a physiotherapist at the RBWH.

For further information, please contact the RBWH Physiotherapy Department Reception, phone: 07 3646 4319.

Resources

• Physiotherapy after Breast Surgery

Additional useful information is available from:

• Cancer Australia
  Phone: 1800 624 973 or  2 9357 9400
• Cancer Council and Cancer Council Qld
  Phone: Helpline 131 120
• Exercise for People Living with Cancer (Cancer Council Australia)
• Breast Cancer Network Australia
  Free call: 1800 500 258
• Australasian Lymphology Association