The Role of Rehabilitation for the Dying Cancer Patient

This article aims to expand on the role of rehabilitation clinicians in providing whole-person care to the dying cancer patient. We identify symptoms common at the end of life in patients with cancer and demonstrate how rehabilitation specialists can use medications and interventions to ease the dying process.

Achieving adequate pain and symptom control can be done through a collaborative, multidisciplinary model with physiatrists, nurses, and therapists in all disciplines. Addressing anxiety, depression, and existential distress can and must be part of the whole-person rehabilitation care.

Achieving a “good death” is a collaborative process and one that is unique to each individual. Research has revealed that people want to be as symptom-free as possible, remain as functional and clear-thinking as possible, and contribute to those around them. The rehabilitation team is well-poised to help individuals meet these goals.