Embedding Rehabilitation as Core Cancer Care in Australia and New Zealand: A Health System Imperative.

Abstract

Cancer remains a global health challenge, with rising survivorship rates highlighting the need for integrated interdisciplinary rehabilitation care. Survivors frequently experience persistent physical, functional, psychological, cognitive and behavioural challenges, including fatigue, deconditioning, neuropathy, pain and psychological distress, with up to two-thirds reporting significant unmet needs and reduced quality of life. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation, encompassing exercise, education, nutrition, task-specific functional retraining, psychosocial support and vocational interventions, effectively mitigates these disabilities, improving function and promoting societal participation. Despite strong evidence, rehabilitation remains underutilised in Australia and New Zealand due to workforce, infrastructure, referral, funding and awareness barriers. Embedding rehabilitation as standard cancer care is essential to optimise survivorship outcomes and deliver sustainable health system benefits.