Cancer rehabilitation in Ukraine: the first study identified key needs and barriers

 71.4 % of Ukrainians with cancer do not receive rehabilitation care from the time of diagnosis, completion of treatment, and during follow-up care. These are the results of the first study of needs and barriers to rehabilitation for cancer patients in Ukraine, initiated by the Zaporuka Charitable Foundation«

This study was presented during a roundtable at the National Cancer Institute with the participation of representatives from government institutions, the medical community, patient organizations, and rehabilitation experts.

Every year, thousands of Ukrainians go through the difficult journey of cancer treatment. Yet even when the main treatment ends, the path to recovery still continues. It takes time and support to regain strength, feel confident, and return to normal life. That is why the Zaporuka Foundation initiated a study to obtain real evidence and a systematic vision of how cancer rehabilitation currently works in Ukraine, what needs patients have, and what barriers prevent them from receiving care.

«The goal of oncological care is not just a saved life. It is the opportunity to live a full life after treatment. To return to family, work, studies, dreams, and plans, noted Natalia Onipko, founder of the Zaporuka Charitable Foundation, during the opening of the round table.

According to data NSZU: In 2023–2025, over 512,000 Ukrainians needed assistance related to cancer.

At the same time, the vast majority of patients do not receive rehabilitation support after treatment. Only a small percentage of these people undergo individual rehabilitation episodes, and a full, continuous recovery pathway remains an exception rather than a practice.

Separately, a study recorded a major lack of psychological care — both for patients and for their relatives and caregivers, who are often left alone with the consequences of the illness.

The report materials highlighted another important problem. Rehabilitation begins too late—already after the completion of main treatment. At a time when modern approaches provide for recovery even before therapy and continuously throughout the entire treatment route and after it.

At the same time, the obtained data also show positive changes that are already taking place. A modern rehabilitation system is being formed in Ukraine, new professions are emerging, multidisciplinary teams are developing, and approaches to the organization of care are being updated.

«We already have a foundation on which we can build a cancer rehabilitation system. But behind all strategies, programs, and decisions, we must see the main thing — a person with their real daily challenges and needs,», — emphasizes Nataliia Onipko.

Among the key areas of development in the field are the integration of rehabilitation into the patient's cancer care pathway, the development of early rehabilitation and prehabilitation, the training of specialists, ensuring equal access to services regardless of place of residence, and the strengthening of psychological support.

About the research:

The research was the result of a joint effort by the civil society sector, the patient community, rehabilitation specialists, and the expert environment. Zaporuka Charitable Foundation initiated and financed its holding, and the direct implementation was ensured CF "Patients of Ukraine" and NGO «Health Sciences Research Foundation» with the participation of NGO Athena. Women Against Cancer» and NGO «All-Ukrainian Association of Physical Therapists».

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE STUDY