Survivor helps Kiwis cope post-cancer
A Sandringham cancer survivor has launched a course bringing post-treatment support to other survivors.
Health and wellness coach Jan Haworth was diagnosed with cancer in early 2011. While living in the United Kingdom, she visited a Penny Brohn UK centre where she received post treatment support. Penny Brohn UK is a charity that provides free care to everyone affected by cancer.
The centre had a huge impact on her and after moving back to New Zealand, she felt as though cancer survivors here had been missing out on similar support.
‘‘After cancer treatment, many people want to make changes to the way they eat, exercise, deal with stress and manage personal relationships, but they don’t know exactly what to do and they don’t know what’s best to help reduce the risk of recurrence,’’ Haworth said.
Her Life 2.0 course uses scientific research to provide participants with the tools and strategies to help make changes.
She received funding from Breast Cancer Support NZ and ran a trial of Life 2.0 in October 2016.
Cancer survivor Kathy Jalfon said she signed up for everything she could after finishing her treatment, including Life 2.0.
The course was a good reminder on how you should live a healthy and mindful life, she said.
‘‘It covered quite a lot and there are still things I continue to do,’’ Jalfon said.
Nicky Rensen said she had always been active but during cancer treatment, she was overwhelmed.
‘‘It was a hurricane of a situation to come out of and I wanted to lift myself back up and refocus myself,’’ Rensen said.
She signed up to Life 2.0 because she wanted to meet other people and it was important for her to take part in a course that was based on scientific research.
During the course, Rensen reassessed her diet and has taken up art.
‘‘The course helped me become more in control of my life.’’
Breast Cancer Support NZ national coordinator Jane Bissell said the group had been keen to get behind Haworth’s program.
‘‘She knows there is a need to help people get back on their feet after cancer,’’ Bissell said.
The next course starts on August 22.