Prehabilitation for individuals having lung cancer surgery

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in females in Australia. It is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, being responsible for more deaths than breast, colorectal and prostate cancer combined. Pulmonary resection provides the best chance of a cure for patients with early stage lung cancer. However, pulmonary resection is associated with significant impairment in functional capacity along with a moderate risk of postoperative morbidity, particularly in frail or deconditioned patients. Prehabilitation is defined as “a process on the continuum of care that occurs between the time of can..