Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Approaches for Cancer Patients before and After Surgical Treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Surgery remains a cornerstone of treatment for many cancers, but it imposes considerable physical and functional burdens, and physiotherapy is increasingly recognised as an important component of perioperative cancer care. This review synthesises current evidence on physiotherapy approaches for cancer patients before and after surgical treatment, encompassing prehabilitation and postoperative rehabilitation. It examines preoperative interventions, including exercise, inspiratory muscle training and education delivered as prehabilitation, and postoperative rehabilitation addressing mobility, respiratory function, shoulder and limb dysfunction, lymphoedema, fatigue and quality of life. The literature indicates that prehabilitation improves physical fitness and may reduce postoperative complications and length of stay, while postoperative physiotherapy improves function, manages treatment related impairments such as lymphoedema and shoulder dysfunction, reduces fatigue and enhances quality of life. The review emphasises an individualised, multidisciplinary approach across the surgical continuum. It concludes that evidence-based physiotherapy is a valuable component of cancer care before and after surgery, and highlights the need for standardisation, wider implementation and further research to optimise outcomes.

KEYWORDS: Cancer Rehabilitation, Prehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Surgical Oncology, Lymphoedema, Exercise Therapy, Quality of Life, Functional Recovery