Скачать или смотреть Learning About the STAR Cancer Program

Cancer treatment can be a difficult experience that can leave life long side effects. A new program is helping patients overcome their physical and psychological challenges caused by cancer treatment. It’s called the STAR program.

It’s a program Denise Pfeiffer, STAR rehab coordinator, says is helpful to cancer patients. “In reality the need is anywhere from 65 to 90 percent of patients who do need some form of cancer rehabilitation.”

The STAR program is a nationally recognized program designed to help cancer patients overcome some of the side effects caused by chemo therapy, radiation, or cancer surgery. “It helps to address the different limitations and challenges that cancer survivors may suffer from the toxic treatments,” said Pfeiffer.

The five year old program helps patients diagnosed with cancer, currently undergoing treatment, and cancer survivors. “One of the most profound side effects is peripheral neuropathy. It’s called chemo induced peripheral neuropathy and depending on the dose and type of medication it can effect a person’s sensation in their hands and feet,” said Pfeiffer.

STAR offers patients a variety of programs including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Dietitians, support groups, and pain management classes are also available. “As a patient you receive treatments that address your specific needs. For example, in physical therapy they address balance problems, walking difficulties, general weakness, and pain related to any kind of surgery recovery,” said Pfeiffer.

The side effects caused by chemo therapy treatment can last up to a year for some patients. Other cancer treatment side effects can last even longer. “Patients do not need to try to continue to try to survive with these limiting factors,” said Pfeiffer.

After evaluating the patient, therapists decide how long a patient may need to participate in the STAR program.


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Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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