The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) defines a cancer survivor as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer from the time of diagnosis and for the balance of his or her life. In 2008, they estimated 11 million persons in the United States who were living with a previously diagnosed cancer. They estimate that the number of cancer survivors in the U.S. to reach 18 million by 2020.

About 1 in 4 cancer survivors experience pain related to their cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Cancer and cancer treatments can have a long-standing impact on the body, including the following common complaints:

  • Acute and chronic pain including back pain
  • Muscle and nerve problems
  • Joint problems including flexibility and range of motion problems including frozen shoulder
  • Post-mastectomy pain syndrome
  • Coordination, balance and other walking problems
  • Jaw problems (Trismus)
  • Radiation-induced fibrosis, spasticity, and dystonia of the neck
  • Amputation issues

There is now new hope for cancer survivors and their families in dealing with the aftermath of their cancer treatments.

Cancer Rehabilitation specialists are leading the way in finding treatments to get all cancer patients to their optimal quality of life. No one should have to accept their disabilities from their cancer treatments as their new normal without first trying to improve them through rehabilitation.

And now in Brevard County, we have such a specialist: Dr. Sherin Kamal Fetouh, MD, FAAPMR, who is double board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine.

As a Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist, he takes an active role in supporting oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons in helping treat ailments related to cancer and its treatments. He may see patients who have any type of cancer at any stage of their disease.

Dr. Kamal Fetouh

Dr. Fetouh has expertise in specifically treating cancer patients for their pain with highly specific interventional techniques. As indicated, he may perform:

  • Joint and soft tissue injections
  • Nerve blocks
  • Spinal injections
  • Botulinum toxin injections
  • Other agents to optimize the patient’s functions and improve their overall quality of life

He can also perform more complex procedures such as:

  • Vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty
  • Spinal cord stimulator placements
  • Radiofrequency nerve ablation procedures
  • New radiofrequency ablation treatments for metastatic bone tumors which can help eliminate spinal pain from metastasis

Treatment of cancer-related pain can be challenging, and it may be necessary to involve multiple specialists with different sets of expertise in order to achieve adequate pain control and improved quality of life.

Pain is highly prevalent in cancer survivors and active cancer patients. It is important for patients to follow up regularly with their oncologist. For these patients, there are a variety of safe, interventional techniques that are associated with a high degree of success in achieving excellent pain control. Ask your oncologist or pain specialist about your options.


About Dr. Fetouh

Dr. S. Kamal Fetouh is Double Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Pain Medicine, with the completion of residency training at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and fellowship training at the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

Dr. Fetouh’s treatment strategy is often multimodal. He will often collaborate with a team of specialists to provide comprehensive treatments for his patients. Treatments for pain management, cancer-related impairments, and disability can include a combination of physical, occupational, and/or lymphedema therapy, as well as assistive devices, orthotics, prosthetics, medications, patient education and other agents to optimize patients’ function and improve their overall quality of life.

Are You Living with Chronic Pain due to Cancer or Other Health-related Conditions?

At Florida Pain Institute, our expert providers and staff are dedicated to providing powerful and innovative pain relief solutions to help patients live quality, pain-free lives.

If you live with chronic pain and want more information about our minimally invasive, proven procedures and treatments for minimizing or eliminating your suffering, call us today at 321-784-8211 or request an appointment online at www.FloridaPainInstitute.net.