Rehabilitation (rehab) can help you regain physical strength and get back to your daily activities. It may include physical therapy (e.g. in a pool or gym), or specialist care if you need help with speaking, eating, walking and other tasks. You could have rehab as an inpatient or outpatient.
Inpatient rehab – Some people recover in a rehab centre or nursing home before returning home. The length of your stay depends on the speed of your recovery.
Outpatient rehab – You can visit a rehab facility as a day patient to receive similar care. Hospital staff or your GP can organise this.
More resources
Prof Andrew Spillane, Surgical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute of Australia, and Professor of Surgical Oncology, The University of Sydney Northern Clinical School, NSW; Lynne Hendrick, Consumer; Judy Holland, Physiotherapist, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; Kara Hutchinson, Cancer Nurse Coordinator, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, VIC; A/Prof Declan Murphy, Urologist and Director of Genitourinary Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Prof Stephan Schug, Director of Pain Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, and Chair of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The University of Western Australia Medical School, WA; Dr Emma Secomb, Specialist Surgeon, Hinterland Surgical Centre, QLD. We would like to thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Exercise and cancer
Exercise helps most people during and after cancer treatment. Find out which exercises are best for you, learn about our free exercise programs, and watch our series of exercise videos
Work and cancer
Information for employees, employers and workplaces dealing with cancer
Cancer information
Staying healthy after treatment
Learn how to take a balanced approach to exercise, diet and risk factors
Family and friendsLearn how we can help you navigate cancer as a carer, family member or friend