Lung Cancer: Prehab & Rehab for Better Outcomes
Lung Cancer Prehab: Optimizing Outcomes Before Treatment
Updated May 29,2025
Lung cancer patients don’t always need to start treatment immediately. According to Nicole Stout, a doctor of physical therapy with the American Cancer Society, a prehab programme in the weeks leading up to treatment can yield notable improvements.
Megan Burkart, a physical therapy professor at west Virginia University, notes that many lung cancer patients have other conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiovascular disease, that affect their ability to undergo surgery. These patients may also be sedentary and have difficulty breathing,making exercise challenging.For these individuals, lung cancer prehab offers a promising solution, potentially improving their overall health and making surgery a safer option.
Dr. Burkart likens lung cancer prehab to a boot camp. Patients engage in supervised aerobic exercise for 20 to 30 minutes, five days a week, at a moderate to vigorous intensity. The goal is to reach 60 to 80 percent of their VO2 max, which measures the cardiovascular system’s efficiency in delivering oxygen to tissues.
Physical therapists also guide patients through breathing exercises, posture work, and range-of-motion exercises. Smoking cessation is another key component of lung cancer prehab.
Dietitians or nutritionists can assist with healthy dietary choices, including protein intake and vitamin optimization. Clinical psychologists or therapists may also be involved, providing mental health support and coping strategies.
What’s next
As prehab programs become more integrated into lung cancer care, patients can expect a more holistic approach to treatment, focusing on improving their overall well-being before, during, and after cancer therapy. This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life.