World GO Day! Living well after Pelvic Cancer: Episode 135 with Michelle Lyons

Today is World GO Day!World Gynae Oncology Day, in my world, focuses on the importance of pelvic rehabilitation for women after gynecologic cancer treatment. In today’s episode, I’m discussing how pelvic rehabilitation extends beyond simple pelvic floor exercises to address comprehensive physical and psychological needs, including pelvic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual health issues, and movement difficulties.

I think there’s not enough emphasis on the fact that pelvic cancer treatment affects the whole person, not just the tumor, and I think we should use this opportunity to highlight the need for multimodal approaches that include exercise, manual therapy, and of course education about what’s happening, why it’s happening and the importance of consistent self-care.

I’ve also introduced a new module on anal cancer rehabilitation in my online course, Female Pelvic Oncology Rehab!Female sexual dysfunction and bladder/ bone health issues after anal cancer treatment are common and often overlooked.

My call to action is to urge us all as pelvic rehab providers to broaden our conversation with cancer survivors AND their medical, surgical and wider oncology teams, to include not just survival but quality of life, of course emphasizing that pelvic rehabilitation should be integrated into cancer care from the beginning, throughout the journey as our patients move from surviving pelvic cancer to thriving afterwards.

For more information on my Female Pelvic Oncology Rehab course, and all of my online courses, please visit CelebrateMuliebrity.com or send me a message about the coursework!

Biopsychosocial pelvic rehabilitation isn’t defined by the organ where the cancer originated, it’s defined by the person, the treatment they’ve received, and the functions they want to regain.

Surviving cancer matters. But living well after cancer matters too.

Until next time, Onwards & Upwards! Mx #celebratemuliebrity 💚💝