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Recovery

banner after diagnosis

Cancer and its treatment often cause physical and practical problems such as fatigue and muscle weakness. These symptoms can make it challenging for you to reintegrate into society. Professional rehabilitation can help you recover physically and emotionally. This can be especially helpful to individuals who wish to return to work after cancer. Early cancer rehabilitation is beneficial to all patients as it not only helps to build up strength and stamina, but also addresses psychosocial issues.


Consider professional rehabilitation if you are:

  • Feeling weaker now than when you were initially diagnosed
  • Having problems with talking or swallowing
  • Experiencing pain
  • Feeling more lethargic now than before the diagnosis
  • Experiencing muscular or orthopedic problems
  • Having difficulty doing the activities you used to do
  • Uncertain about how much and what type of exercise you need
  • Having problems concentrating or remembering things
  • Facing emotional, psychological, vocational, spiritual and even social challenges


The SCS Cancer Rehabilitation Programme offers physical therapy, comprehensive nutritional support, psychosocial support, support group engagement and work-life reintegration (through the Return-To-Work programme). SCS accepts patients through hospital or clinic referrals - bring it up to your doctor that you would like a referral for an assessment at SCS Rehabilitation Centre.


Cancer recovery

Cancer recovery


After completing treatment and receiving news that the cancer is in remission, the journey to recovery begins. Although most side effects go away over time, some remain for a longer period or are unfortunately permanent. Naturally, one would hope and expect to return to past levels of functioning or lifestyles, or at least resume roles and responsibilities one used to undertake. Many face frustration, or experience hopelessness and disillusionment when they experience the limitations brought about by long term side effects.

One common fear post-treatment is the fear of cancer recurrence. Patients may feel uncertain about the future and find themselves frequently questioning if certain things they do or certain emotions they have in their day to day lives may result in cancer recurrence. These fears are especially common in the first year post-treatment. There may be anxiety in between follow-up reviews, or when there are physical symptoms the patient may attribute to cancer recurrence

Another common concern is in the area of employment and finances post-treatment. Please see Cancer and Work and Cancer & Finances for more information.

Cancer Recurrence

Cancer Recurrence


Cancer recurrence that the same cancer has returned after a period of time post-treatment. There is no way to tell if and when it may occur. It is one of the most common worries patients have especially in the first year post-treatment, as for some it symbolizes losing control over their lives, returning to the lifestyle of a cancer patient, experiencing more physical discomfort, more disruptions, loss of time spent in treatments and/or possible loss of life.

Please see NCCS’ write up at https://www.nccs.com.sg/patient-care/pages/will-my-cancer-come-back.aspx for more information on cancer recurrence.

SCS Support for recovery

SCS Support for recovery

  • Rehabilitation support services to help cancer survivors take their first step toward recovery.
  • Support groups and programmes available for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
  • A variety of free enrichment programmes: health and nutrition, fitness and lifestyle, music and dance appreciation, art & craft classes for support group members on a daily basis on structured schedules. Through these social recreational activities, cancer patients and survivors get to learn new skills together and bond with one another.
  • A team of trained social workers or therapists that will be able to provide counselling and psycho-emotional support when required.
    If you wish to know more about cancer support groups or speak to someone from the psychosocial services team, please call 1800-727-3333 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information.


Please inform your cancer care team if you feel that your fear of cancer recurrence is affecting your daily life, emotions, or relationships; especially if you are exhibiting any of the signs of anxiety or depression (see Mental Health).

 

 

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