Pediatric Cancer Rehabilitation

Addressing cancer’s impact

Many children experience short-term side effects during cancer treatment and may develop serious long-term health problems after treatment. Common health issues include:

• Back pain
• Osteoporosis
• Difficulty with walking or talking
• Loss of coordination and balance
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Over the past few decades, pediatric oncologists have identified a need for a dedicated rehabilitation team. Their goal is to help children and their families address the impacts that cancer and its treatment can have on a child's developing body and mind. Our program dedicates all its time, resources and expertise to your child’s mobility, function and comfort during and following their cancer treatment. We also help coordinate the services your child needs

We will help improve your child’s:

• Balance, coordination, strength, mobility and pain
• Independent self-care, such as brushing teeth, eating and bathing
• Hearing, vision, speech and communication
• Achievement of age-appropriate developmental milestones, such as walking and talking
• Learning and information processing

Helping your child move with greater ease

Cancer surgeries and treatments may mean that your child needs new medical or mobility devices. We want your child to move through and interact with the world with as much comfort and ease as possible. Teaching children to use their new equipment safely and effectively is our team’s top priority. We help your child learn to use devices such as:

• Wheelchairs
• Crutches
• Braces
• Orthotics
• Cochlear implants and hearing aids

Working with your whole family

We understand that your child’s cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery affect your whole family. That’s why we work closely with you to help your family set goals for your child. Together, we will create a treatment plan that suits your family’s needs.

We will also train your family on the mobility or medical devices your child may need. That way, you can all confidently help your child use and maintain this equipment.