The effect of cancer diagnosis and treatment on hand function

Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound effect upon hand function, presenting a challenge to the occupational therapist. The therapist who specializes in oncology or hand therapy must have knowledge of the medical treatment model in regard to cancer conditions and must be able to set realistic goals that consider the patient's medical prognosis as well as the effect the disease or medical treatment has on the patient's physical and emotional functioning. The challenge to therapists in this area of practice will be to conduct research to verify or validate the effectiveness of the occupational therapy interventions currently provided. As cancer is diagnosed at earlier stages of the disease and survival improves after cancer treatment, hand therapy may improve the functional outcomes of persons with cancer. This judgment of rehabilitation oncology practice will need to be confirmed by research.