Abstract
The growing evidence base supporting both exercise oncology and cancer rehabilitation highlights their complementary roles across the cancer continuum. Research consistently demonstrates that physical activity improves physical function, fatigue, quality of life, and survival, while rehabilitation addresses impairments and restores participation in meaningful activities. Despite these advances, current care models often lack coordination, resulting in fragmented services, inappropriate referrals, and missed opportunities for optimal patient outcomes. Some individuals are directed to exercise programs without adequate screening for underlying impairments, while others may receive rehabilitation services when supervised, independent or community-based activity would suffice.
To address these gaps, there is a need for integrated, patient-centered models that emphasize collaboration, clear role delineation, and efficient care pathways. Stepped care frameworks and emerging models of rehabilitation navigation provide structured approaches to triage individuals to the most appropriate level of care, ranging from impairment-based rehabilitation to supervised exercise and independent physical activity. The concept of the rehabilitation navigator is central to this approach, facilitating screening, referral, and coordination across disciplines.
As the population of cancer survivors continues to grow, intentional integration of rehabilitation and exercise services is essential to reduce patient burden, improve access, and enhance outcomes. Advancing interprofessional collaboration, strengthening referral pathways, and aligning care with evolving evidence will be critical to delivering comprehensive, sustainable cancer care.
First Page
4
Last Page
9
DOI
10.26890/bmlk2089
Recommended Citation
Wilson CM. Navigating Care in Cancer: Aligning Rehabilitation and Exercise to Support Patients. Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice. 2026; 3(1):4-9. doi: 10.26890/bmlk2089.