Prehabilitation Services for Cancer Patients
Get stronger, physically and mentally, before your cancer treatment begins with our prehabilitation services.
You can choose the services that are right for you — to help you go into treatment stronger and more prepared.
What Is Cancer Prehabilitation?
Prehabilitation, or “prehab,” is care that occurs after you've been diagnosed with cancer and before you begin a treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Prehab includes physical and mental health interventions that focus on getting you prepared for treatment.
Cancer prehabilitation is a relatively new concept in cancer care, available at select cancer centers such as UC San Diego Health. We are currently the only cancer center in San Diego offering prehabilitation for our cancer patients.
Why Should I Consider Cancer Prehabilitation?
The healthier you are prior to treatment, the better your outcome generally. Prehabilitation can speed your recovery, reduce your risk of an infection or other complication and help you maintain function and independence following treatment. It may also improve the effectiveness of your cancer treatment.
Prehabilitation Services
Talk to your oncologist about your medical history, ongoing issues and treatment goals. Your doctor can help you craft a prehabilitation plan and provide referrals when needed. Your prehabilitation plan may include one or more of the following services.
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Integrative Medicine
Provided by UC San Diego's Center for Integrative Medicine, these services complement traditional medicine by focusing on natural ways to promote healing and well-being such as acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation and mindfulness training.
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Counseling and Therapy
Our mental health care professionals can help you manage the stress and worry that often come with a cancer diagnosis. Counseling may focus on emotional support, relaxation techniques, communication and more.
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Dietary and Nutritional Counseling
Our clinical dietitians can help you adopt a healthy diet and build your energy reserves prior to treatment. We also offer monthly cooking classes and nutrition seminars.
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Fertility Preservation and Counseling
If you’re interested in preserving your fertility, it’s usually best to do so before treatment begins. Receive the best possible care with our timely and comprehensive counseling.
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Occupational and Physical Therapy
Build strength and improve your mobility and coordination, as well as cardiovascular fitness with physical therapy. Occupational therapy can help you with tasks related to daily life functioning.
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Orthopedic Care
Our physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists can evaluate your baseline function and diagnose problems or weaknesses that can be addressed non-surgically.
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Pain Management
If you have chronic pain or concerns about post-surgical pain, you may ask your oncologist for a referral to our pain clinic or a pre-surgical pain consult with an anesthesiologist.
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Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on your physical and emotional comfort. It is not reserved for end-of-life care and may be appropriate whenever you're struggling with your quality of life.
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Social Work
Our oncology social workers can help connect you with helpful resources, including financial assistance programs, and guide you through the treatment process.
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Speech, Language and Swallowing Therapy
Speech-language pathologists can help to prevent and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Nationally Ranked Cancer Care
UC San Diego Health is repeatedly ranked among the nation's best in cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. We are also the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County. This is the highest possible rating for a U.S. cancer center, and it means you’ll receive the best possible care and support. Studies show patient outcomes are better at NCI-designated cancer centers.
Choose UC San Diego Health for Your Cancer Care
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