E174: Hannah Furness - Role of Physiotherapy in Oncology
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses cancer.
Episode 174: of our living with and beyond cancer series (part 55)
Description: In this episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Hannah, who is a chartered physiotherapist with over 12 years clinical experience in oncology, across a broad range of NHS, charity, private and voluntary sectors. Currently, she is working as an NHS Therapies Lead in Patient Optimisation and Geriatric Oncology.
Alongside this role, Hannah runs her own online cancer physiotherapy business StrongerThan, using her passion for people and science to create bespoke rehabilitation plans and empower clients from across the UK. While Hannah is experienced working with all ages, stages and types of cancer, she has specialist experience supporting people receiving palliative care to live life fully, comfortably and with dignity.
CPD Reflection Points:
- What are the key rehabilitation needs of people living with and beyond cancer?
- How can physiotherapy interventions address common issues such as fatigue, pain, or deconditioning?
- How does your current practice align with the evidence presented in the literature linked?
- What might you change in your clinical approach as a result of your learning from this episode?
- Are there opportunities within your service to incorporate or improve prehabilitation and rehabilitation?
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Blog posts:
E-book:
Publications on Geriatric Oncology:
- Leach, H and Jethwa J (2020) ‘Cancer Rehabilitation’, in O’Hanlan S and Smith M (4th edition) A Comprehensive Guide to Rehabilitation of the Older Patient. Elsevier Health. https://www.uk.elsevierhealth.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-rehabilitation-of-the-older-patient-9780702080166.html
- Perspectives on prehabilitation for older adults with cancer: A report from the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) rehabilitation group
- SIOG2024-4-OA-051 The development of the senior adult oncology programme at the Royal Marsden NHS foundation trust
- SIOG2024-4-P-141 Using remote physiotherapy assessment to identify sarcopenia in older adults with cancer, receiving systemic anti-cancer treatment
- SIOG2024-4-P-114 A review of body composition in older adults undergoing systemic anticancer treatment within the senior adult oncology programme at The Royal Marsden
- SIOG2024-4-P-153 Evaluating geriatric assessments and driven interventions in older adults with breast, lung and gastrointestinal cancer: a retrospective analysis
Rad Chat Links:
Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.