Cancer Transitions at YMCA
Program offers help with exercise, nutrition as well as emotional support
The YMCA of Cape Breton and the Cape Breton Cancer Centre are partnering to deliver a free Cancer Transitions program for patients who have finished active cancer treatments.
The six-week, communitybased program will cover core issues for cancer survivors, including the benefits of exercise, nutrition, emotional support and medical management.
“There are a couple of dimensions to it,” said Andre Gallant, CEO of the YMCA of Cape Breton.
“One is the physical recovery which is going to be different depending on the cancer and the treatment itself and where people are in that whole health continuum.”
Another significant aspect of the program is allowing cancer survivors to socialize again.
“You recover at home or you are simply visiting your doctor or therapist and not getting out and meeting peers in that sort of social environment,” he said.
“Here’s a chance to meet some people and share some stories with people going through similar kinds of experiences and hopefully connect with some people and build relationships.”
The program format will see up to 20 participants meet for two and a half hour sessions each week to hear presentations from experts, engage in group discussion and directly address the emotional and social hurdles they face during the transition period following treatment.
Group fitness co-ordinator Tanya Horne will bring participants through their exercise routines and will offer nutritional advise.
Guest speakers will bring outside expertise to the initiative.
The program also offers a ‘ booster’ session held one month after the program ends, to reinforce many of the proactive behavioural changes discussed during the core program.
According to the Cape Breton Family YMCA, past participants of the Cancer Transitions program have reported experiencing less worry about the negative impacts of cancer.
They also say they function better physically, are more committed to physical activity and see improvements in their dietary habits. The program begins April 12. To register or get more information, contact the Cape Breton Cancer Centre at 902-567-8074.