Participation in oncology rehabilitation in regional South West Victoria, Australia: a retrospective study

PURPOSE: Australian guidelines recommend exercise be embedded as routine cancer care. Emerging evidence suggests that exercise can significantly impact cancer-related morbidity and survivorship. Despite this, rehabilitation and participation in exercise for people living with cancer remains low, with disparities in cancer outcomes between metropolitan and regional areas nationwide. This retrospective study aimed to determine health service-based rehabilitation participation rates of cancer patients in South West Victoria, Australia during the year 2023. METHODS: Electronic medical records at five health services providing cancer treatment in South West Victoria were analysed. Adult patients who had received cancer treatment during the year 2023 were included. Patient demographics and cancer diagnoses were recorded, alongside rehabilitation participation and completion rates. Statistical analysis identified trends in type and timing of cancer treatment with respect to rehabilitation participation. RESULTS: A total of 898 patients were eligible for the study. The rehabilitation attendance rate of South West Victorian cancer patients during 2023 was extremely low (5.8%, n = 52). Of those participating in rehabilitation, 61.5% (n = 32) of attendees completed their rehabilitation program. Longer duration between oncology treatment and commencement of rehabilitation led to greater likelihood of program completion. Patients who received multiple treatment modalities were more likely to participate in, but less likely to complete, a rehabilitation program. CONCLUSION: These results are potentially generalisable to rural and regional areas Australia-wide. Further research is needed to identify barriers and facilitators to uptake and completion of rehabilitation for SWV patients with cancer.