Blokes keen to help blokes
A pioneering fitness programme designed for Taranaki men undergoing prostate cancer treatment has naturally morphed into a cancer support group where blokes help other blokes.
The group was the brainchild of Jenny Corban, a co-ordinator of urology and oncology, who said her specific interest for the programme was prostate cancer.
The overwhelming positive feedback from the trial has prompted Corban to present this group and her experiences in setting it up to a national urology conference in Tauranga in October.
‘‘I personally am hopeful it will be picked up by cancer societies nationwide,’’ she said.
Eight men came together twice a week for six months to participate in a wide range of low-to-moderate indoor and outdoor physical activities.
Now they want to continue and support the next lot of men coming through.
‘‘It got me off the chair after having depression. It’s about doing something about it for yourself,’’ said group member Justin Jones.
‘‘Otherwise what’s the point of any kind of cancer treatment if you’re miserable,’’ Jones sad.
For retired farmer Alan Chapman, 67, meeting other guys in the same boat, and knowing he was not the only one in his situation helped immensely.
‘‘We are so good at treating it nowadays and keeping people alive for much longer,’’ Corban said. ‘‘However, many men find it hard to cope with the side effects that come with the treatment.’’
‘‘Research showed regular exercise helped to lessen those side effects,’’ said Corban.
Despite its prevalence it was near impossible to get men to attend the Cancer Society support groups. Her goal and dream was for the group to form into a support group of sorts.
‘‘I tried and tried and tried to get men to turn up, they wouldn’t go. Men don’t seem to like them.’’
The group’s trainer Anneka Carlson managed the men’s different levels of fitness by gauging their individual abilities and tailoring exercise to suit.
Her aim was keeping them motivated to do regular exercise, including brisk walks along Back Beach or the foreshore, or a light workout at Pukekura Park.
‘‘It’s been a challenge at times, but so good seeing the change.’’
The Taranaki Cancer Society will fund the second intake too; making it free for all men who sign up.
Those interested in signing up can contact the centre on 06 757 3006. An information evening will be held on Monday, April 24 at 6.30pm at the Cancer Society centre in Lorna St.