#THIRDTHURSDAY: Physical Therapy for Cancer Survivors – During Cancer Treatment and Beyond (January 2025)

As of January 1, 2022 the number of American cancer survivors was 18 million.  This number is projected to increase to 21.6 million by 2030 and to 26 million by 2040.  In Illinois alone, an estimated 566,226 people are alive who were diagnosed with cancer in a 20-year time period of 2001 to 2020 (United States Department of Health and Human Services and National Cancer Institute).  As survival rates increase, this population will be seen for physical therapy, with issues that may or may not be related to their cancer diagnoses.  Professionals need to be equipped with the knowledge to provide effective and appropriate treatments. 

The goal of this #THIRDTHURSDAY is to provide an understanding of the aspects of cancer and cancer treatments that would impact the evaluation and treatment of survivors.  The role and principles of rehabilitation as they relate to cancer will be defined as well as potential precautions and signs of oncological emergencies that could present.

Evidence will be presented to support interventions and a list of relevant sources provided.  Specific topics to be discussed will be:

1. Terminology and staging process of cancer.
2. Exercises guidelines for patients with cancer including precautions and contraindications.
3. Effects of radiation and chemotherapy on the body and considerations with physical activity.
4. Rehabilitation following surgeries for breast cancer, head/neck cancer, and colorectal cancer.
5. Treatment guidelines for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and cancer-related fatigue.
6. Current research on the use of modalities for cancer survivors.

Mary Jesse, PT , DHS, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy shares insight and expertise on "Physical Therapy for Cancer Survivors – During Cancer Treatment and Beyond."

What to expect: 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand terminology as related to cancer and rehabilitation.
• Understand the precautions related to a cancer diagnosis that may affect a patient’s physical therapy treatment plan.
• Describe the acute and late effects of cancer treatments as they relate to physical therapy.
• Apply current evidence to discuss the benefit of physical therapy to improve pain, fatigue, and quality of life in cancer survivors.

About the Speaker: 

Mary Jesse, PT, DHS, is currently a clinician at Decatur Memorial Hospital. She graduated from Saint Louis University with a BS in Physical Therapy and from University of Indianapolis with a MHS and DHS in Physical Therapy. Mary has been working to develop an oncology rehab program at DMH over the past 10 years. She is currently a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy and a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy.

 

This program was originally recorded January 16, 2025.

You can even earn 2 hours of CE (Self- Study):  

1. Purchase the recording by visiting IPTA's Virtual Library . (FREE FOR IPTA MEMBERS / CE Subscribers - log in to ipta.org so it knows who you are!) Non-member cost is $45. You can earn 1-2 hours of CE, depending on the length of program.
2. Once your transaction is completed, you will receive an email with a link to download a document containing a link to the online recording AND a link to a quiz to complete after you view the recording.
3. Watch the recording and complete the quiz. If you score 80% or better, you will receive an email notification of your CE award.  If you are an IPTA member/ CE Subscriber, your CE award will also post in your membership profile under Professional Development. If you are not yet a member, an CE certificate will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days.