title: Rehabilitation of cancer patients.
abstract: With the developments in cancer treatment, more and more patients are surviving their disease. However, very little emphasis is being placed to rehabilitate these cancer survivors. Ignorance, social structure, stigma attached in seeking psychological help, and poor communication skills of oncology staff all contribute to poor rehabilitative efforts. The priority of governmental agencies and health efforts to fight rampant communicable diseases, malnutrition, maternal health, and the frequent natural calamities, puts rehabilitation movements in the back seat. Treatment and prevention of disability and its rehabilitation requires comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. There is an urgent need to promote physical and psychological rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum, India. manojpandey@vsnl.com
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pandey
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003906:Developing Countries; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010166:Palliative Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011788:Quality of Life