New cancer survivorship program
Wimmera residents affected by cancer can soon access a comprehensive survivorship education, exercise and wellness program.
The ‘Wellness and Life after Cancer Exercise and Supportive Care’ program will provide people who have finished their active cancer treatment with two-hour education and exercise sessions.
Health professionals will deliver the sessions at multiple sites across the region.
The first eight-week program starts on June 22 at health services in Stawell and Warracknabeal. The education sessions at each site will use video conferencing to link participants.
The Cancer Council Victoria program designed to help participants to: • Increase their fitness and strength. • Improve their ability to perform daily tasks. • Learn to cope with life now. • Identify local support services available.
Cancer Council Victoria strategy and support head Meg Chiswell said the program would provide invaluable support and information for people diagnosed with cancer.
“On average, there are 209 people who are diagnosed with cancer in the Grampians is health region each year,” she said. “We hear regularly cancer patients can have trouble adjusting to their ‘new normal’ after active treatment ceases.
“This program will provide people with the tools they need to get back into exercise and to deal with changes in their lives at home and at work.
“Research shows that exercise rehabilitation programs help cancer survivors manage pain, reduce fatigue and improve quality of life, while group-based education programs develop resilience and empower patients to improve their health and wellbeing.”
Cancer survivor Leonie Bird said she found it challenging when she first completed treatment.
“After initial diagnosis and treatment, knowing what exercise to do and how to improve my recovery was really difficult,” she said.
“Once I searched for and found the right advice and activities, I was able to shift my focus and improve my health.
“I wish I had access to this advice and exercise professionals earlier.”
People can register for the program or find out more by calling Stawell Regional Health on 5358 8630 or Rural Northwest Health on 5396 1315.