Cancer and cancer treatment can affect a person’s physical, cognitive and social development, causing problems in many areas of life. Sometimes, these problems are related to the specific type of cancer a person has. For instance, a brain tumor may press against the frontal lobe, affecting motor skills or learning skills. A tumor in the lung may affect breathing, and sarcoma located in the joints may affect a person’s ability to walk. Leukemia and lymphoma often cause long-term problems with fatigue.
Cancer therapy itself is often a factor. For example, chemotherapy with certain types of drugs can cause neuropathy, a condition that damages nerves and causes weakness, numbness and pain. A bone marrow transplant can lead to problems such a fatigue and organ damage.
Cancer specialists at Cincinnati Children’s have the training and expertise to recognize these problems. They work closely with their colleagues in the Pediatric Cancer Rehabilitation Specialty Program to identify patients who will benefit from inpatient cancer rehabilitation.