The intersection of cancer and disability presents significant challenges, as both conditions independently impose substantial physical, cognitive, and emotional burdens. Cancer, being one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, could lead to long-term disabilities owing to the disease per se or the treatment’s adverse effects. Disability is characterized by impairments in mobility, cognitive functions, and emotional well-being and often persists long after the cessation of cancer treatment. With rising cancer survival rates, the number of people living with a disability as a result is also increasing, so this has the potential to be an important crossroads for healthcare innovation. This chapter explores the dual burden of cancer and disability, emphasizing the need for integrated care models that address the comprehensive needs of survivors. Physical challenges include being unable to move and experiencing chronic pain; cognitive challenges include memory loss and an inability to concentrate. Emotional fallout includes anxiety and depression. In other words, these are all compounded elements of the recovery process. Thus, it is important to develop all-inclusive rehabilitation approaches geared toward the individual needs of survivors for such multifaceted challenges. Recent advancements in medical treatments, such as precision medicine and immunotherapy, offer hope for reducing cancer-related disabilities by minimizing treatment side effects. New technologies will include telemedicine, wearable devices, and assistive technologies that are likely to enhance physical mobility and mental capability. Major barriers to care still exist and include difficulties in navigating complex health systems, financial difficulties, and social inequalities. It, therefore, requires a concerted effort from healthcare workers, policymakers, and patient advocates if the challenges are to be surmounted. The chapter calls for higher access to cancer rehabilitation services, policy changes toward establishing a level playing field in care delivery, and sustained advocacy on issues of concern to cancer survivors with disabilities.

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The Impact of Cancer on Disability: Challenges and Innovations

  • Waseem Jerjes

摘要

The intersection of cancer and disability presents significant challenges, as both conditions independently impose substantial physical, cognitive, and emotional burdens. Cancer, being one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, could lead to long-term disabilities owing to the disease per se or the treatment’s adverse effects. Disability is characterized by impairments in mobility, cognitive functions, and emotional well-being and often persists long after the cessation of cancer treatment. With rising cancer survival rates, the number of people living with a disability as a result is also increasing, so this has the potential to be an important crossroads for healthcare innovation. This chapter explores the dual burden of cancer and disability, emphasizing the need for integrated care models that address the comprehensive needs of survivors. Physical challenges include being unable to move and experiencing chronic pain; cognitive challenges include memory loss and an inability to concentrate. Emotional fallout includes anxiety and depression. In other words, these are all compounded elements of the recovery process. Thus, it is important to develop all-inclusive rehabilitation approaches geared toward the individual needs of survivors for such multifaceted challenges. Recent advancements in medical treatments, such as precision medicine and immunotherapy, offer hope for reducing cancer-related disabilities by minimizing treatment side effects. New technologies will include telemedicine, wearable devices, and assistive technologies that are likely to enhance physical mobility and mental capability. Major barriers to care still exist and include difficulties in navigating complex health systems, financial difficulties, and social inequalities. It, therefore, requires a concerted effort from healthcare workers, policymakers, and patient advocates if the challenges are to be surmounted. The chapter calls for higher access to cancer rehabilitation services, policy changes toward establishing a level playing field in care delivery, and sustained advocacy on issues of concern to cancer survivors with disabilities.