£250k bid to get cancer patients to ‘Move More’

HEALTH Secretary Shona Robison today officially launched a programme to help cancer patients become more active.

Macmillan Cancer Support has invested £250,000 to develop Move More Dundee in partnership with Leisure and Culture Dundee. The programme has been specifically designed for people affected by cancer and includes walking groups, gardening, gentle movement and circuits-based activity classes.

Ms Robison said: “We all know that keeping active after cancer treatment can have a hugely positive impact on a person.

“The work Macmillan is doing through Move More supports the aim of our cancer strategy in helping people to live with and beyond cancer. I am delighted to launch this new programme and look forward to hearing about its continued success in the future.”

Extensive research has shown that being active during and after cancer treatment is both safe and hugely beneficial.

The activities, which are all free of charge, will not only help people cope with the side-effects of treatment, but also provide an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation.

Head of Macmillan in Scotland Janice Preston said: “Traditionally people have been told that rest was best and while it is right at certain times, it is also really beneficial to get moving too.

“We realise people may feel nervous returning to exercise which is why Macmillan is working with Leisure and Culture Dundee to provide this programme specifically for those affected by cancer.”

Shona Robison