The number of cancer rehabilitation programs in Australia has more than doubled over the past decade, yet many survivors still face significant challenges in accessing the support they need. This finding is highlighted by researchers at La Trobe University, who emphasize the persistent gap between demand and availability of these crucial services.
Published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology, a national survey of 173 hospitals and cancer centers revealed that cancer rehabilitation programs have increased from 31 in 2015 to 76 in 2024. Despite this growth, the survey found that only one in 65 Australian cancer survivors could enroll in oncology rehabilitation each year.
Exercise as a Cornerstone of Cancer Recovery
Exercise has been recommended as best practice cancer care under clinical guidelines set by the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) since 2018. Dr. Amy Dennett, a researcher at La Trobe’s School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport and a physiotherapist at Eastern Health, underscores the importance of exercise in cancer recovery.
“Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have to help people recover from cancer,” Dr. Dennett said. “Mounting evidence shows that exercise is key to addressing the physical and psychological challenges faced by many cancer survivors in managing fatigue, mood, physical function, and quality of life.”
However, Dr. Dennett notes that access to exercise-based oncology rehabilitation remains limited across the healthcare system, with nearly half of the survey respondents (44 percent) identifying lack of funding as a significant barrier to program sustainability.
Drivers and Barriers to Program Development
In 2024, survey respondents highlighted the increasing number of cancer survivors attending general rehabilitation programs (48 percent) and advocacy from oncologists (44 percent) as major factors driving the establishment of oncology rehabilitation programs. Dr. Dennett believes that the growing evidence of exercise reducing hospital admissions and lengths of stay could encourage more healthcare settings to adopt cancer rehab programs, ultimately improving patient outcomes and easing the burden on the healthcare system.
Cancer rehabilitation programs typically run three times a week for 11 weeks, incorporating exercise, education in nutrition and fatigue management, and self-management plans for survivors. While these programs are often delivered face-to-face, a significant number now offer telehealth services via video conference (45 percent) or phone (53 percent), enhancing access for regional and rural patients who face travel barriers during treatment and recovery.
Comparing Oncology Rehabilitation to Other Chronic Diseases
With over 500,000 five-year cancer survivors in Australia, cancer is a leading disease burden. Dr. Dennett points out that despite cancer being considered a chronic disease, referral pathways for oncology rehabilitation lag behind those for cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation.
“There are nearly 400 cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services in Australia – five times the number of oncology rehabilitation programs,” Dr. Dennett said. “This research shows there’s an urgent need for better funding, training, and referral pathways to ensure more cancer survivors benefit from tailored oncology rehabilitation programs.”
Dr. Dennett argues that while clinical guidelines do shape practice, a significant gap remains. She stresses that rehabilitation should be a core part of cancer care, rather than an optional extra.
The Path Forward
As the number of cancer survivors continues to grow, the need for comprehensive rehabilitation services becomes increasingly urgent. The findings from La Trobe University highlight the necessity for systemic changes, including increased funding and improved referral systems, to ensure that cancer survivors receive the care they need to enhance their quality of life.
Moving forward, healthcare policymakers and providers must prioritize the integration of oncology rehabilitation into standard cancer care protocols, ensuring that all survivors have equitable access to these life-enhancing services.
