Cancer Treatments and Side Effects: What Therapists Need to Know

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Clinicians who work with cancer survivors must have an understanding of how cancer and the associated treatments cause a changing trajectory of physical and cognitive abilities. In this course, Dr. Suzänne Taylor provides an overview of cancer treatments and the commonly associated side effects. Along with the impact of cancer on an individual's psychosocial well-being, Dr. Taylor provides examples of how functional abilities may rapidly change. This course strengthens the clinician's ability to anticipate changes in function and appropriately adjust therapy goals and interventions.

Meet your instructor

Suzänne Taylor PhD

Suzänne Taylor, PhD, MBA, OTR/L, has extensive experience in oncology rehabilitation including providing direct therapy interventions and presenting on state, regional, and national levels. Dr. Taylor has dedicated her career to furthering oncology rehabilitation education, research, and program development. Her clinical…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Medical Treatments for Cancer: An Overview

Surgical intervention, radiation, and chemotherapy are common medical treatments for cancer. Other medical treatments include hematopoietic stem cell transplant, also known as bone marrow transplant, and targeted therapies. Although some treatments require hospitalization, many times these treatments are given in a clinic setting. Join Dr. Taylor as she discusses current medical treatments for cancer and how the treatments are commonly administered. She explains commonly associated side effects for each treatment and cardiotoxicity, damage that may occur to the heart following chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy treatment.

2. The Psychosocial Disruption of Cancer

When an individual begins a medical workup for suspected cancer, they are likely experiencing psychosocial disruption. This overarching phrase is used to describe stress that interferes with the individual's psychological wellbeing, social interactions, and relationships. In this chapter Dr. Taylor explains the factors that influence psychosocial well-being and their interrelationship.

3. The Changing Trajectory of Functional Abilities

The cancer survivor's performance status is a key factor in determining treatment options and the overall prognosis. The changing trajectory of physical and cognitive abilities, due to cancer and the associated treatments, is best described as a roller coaster as the cancer survivor may experience rapid changes ranging from full independence through dependence in daily activities. Dr. Taylor provides clear examples of such changes and highlights the need for the clinician to optimize functional abilities and to anticipate changes in order to prepare both the cancer survivor and the caregiver.

More courses in this series

Understanding Cancer: Foundational Knowledge for Therapists

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