Evaluation and outcome of behavioural changes in the rehabilitation of cancer patients: a review

The global increase in the number of newly diagnosed cancers has led in most affected countries to increased numbers of cancer survivors, who have specific needs for physical and psychosocial rehabilitation. In spite of recent progress, little is known about the specific rehabilitation measures that could increase the quality of life for cancer survivors. We reviewed published interventions that focussed on changing known risk factors for cancer recurrence and improving physical well-being; those we selected were exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and the use of sun screens. The published trials varied in the quality of the methods used, often had inadequate sample sizes and showed difficulty in validating outcomes. We conclude that there is still insufficient evidence to assess the importance of these behavioural risk factors in the rehabilitation of cancer patients. Future interventions should be designed to assess the separate effects of dietary changes, exercise and psychosocial interventions.