title: Cancer rehabilitation: A Nordic and European perspective.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The increasing incidence of cancer combined with prolonged survival times seen throughout the western world increases the need for rehabilitation. Diagnosis and treatment for cancer may have substantial effects on the patients' physical, psychological, social and existential well-being. The aim of this paper is to describe the current situation in cancer rehabilitation in the Nordic countries, the Netherlands and Germany.
  
  
  METHODS
  Description of the current situation in cancer rehabilitation in the Nordic countries and literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Rehabilitation as defined by multiple organizations covers a multidimensional view on chronic disease and its effect on the patient's life. The rehabilitation systems in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands differ depending on the differing social security and health-care systems, but rehabilitation provided is largely based on a similar, multidimensional and multidisciplinary understanding of cancer rehabilitation. Research on rehabilitation efforts in European countries indicates that there is substantial evidence with regard to single interventions which can be part of cancer rehabilitation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In order to assure patients and families continuing quality of life, rehabilitation should be an integral and continuous part of all cancer care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Skåne, Lund, Sweden. maria.hellbom@med.lu.se
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hellbom
authors.forename: Corinna
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bergelt
authors.forename: Mia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bergenmar
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gijsen
authors.forename: Jon Håvard
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Loge
authors.forename: Matti
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rautalahti
authors.forename: Matti
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rautalathi
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smaradottir
authors.forename: Christoffer
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Johansen
mesh_terms: D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012537:Scandinavian and Nordic Countries / Q000453:epidemiology