B.C. Cancer to integrate rehab and exercise into care at diagnosis

B.C. Cancer has started a Kelowna program led by Dr. Lauren Capozzi to add rehabilitation and structured exercise into patient care from the time of diagnosis, and the program has received about 100 referrals since beginning in September.

B.C. Cancer is starting a program in Kelowna to offer rehabilitation and structured exercise to patients as soon as they are diagnosed. Dr. Lauren Capozzi, the organization’s first cancer physiatrist in the province, is leading the effort. The approach, described as prehabilitation, combines specialists to prepare patients for treatment and support recovery afterwards. The team includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and speech therapists working together. Key facts: - The cancer physiatry program began in September in Kelowna and is available to patients by referral from their primary care physician. - The program has received about 100 patient referrals in the first five months of operation. - Program leaders reference a New England Journal of Medicine study that reported improved long-term outcomes for colon cancer patients who followed a structured exercise program, and B.C. Cancer is working to expand the program beyond Kelowna. Summary: Integrating rehabilitation and exercise from diagnosis is intended to coordinate care across specialties and support patient recovery during and after treatment. The Kelowna program has shown initial uptake and program leaders say they are planning to expand the model province-wide.