Colorecta I Cancer and Rehabilitation Counseling
In 2011, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that 141,210 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, affecting approximately 1.1 million people. One of those individuals was the lead author of this article, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in December, 2011. As such, this article offers a unique perspective on cancer recovery and rehabilitation from a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who experienced a transverse colostomy and colectomy. Rehabilitation counselors playa critical role in recovery and return to work following cancer surgery and treatment. Implications for rehabilitation counselors will be examined including surgery and treatment options, psychosocial effects, functional concerns and colostomies, and return to work.