GRAMPIANS residents affected by cancer will gain access to a comprehensive survivorship education, exercise and wellness program.
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Health professionals will deliver the second round of the Exercise and Supportive Survivorship Care program, providing people who have finished their active cancer treatment with two-hour education and exercise sessions across eight weeks.
The program starts on October 21 and sessions will be delivered at various sites using video conferencing to connect participants.
The Cancer Council Victoria initiative will be available at Stawell, Horsham and Warracknabeal and will help people to increase fitness and strength, improve their ability to perform daily tasks, learn coping strategies and identify support services.
Head of strategy and support at Cancer Council Victoria, Meg Chiswell, said the program had already provided invaluable support and information for residents diagnosed with cancer.
“We hear regularly that cancer patients can have trouble adjusting to their ‘new normal’ after active treatment ceases,” she said.
“This program will arm 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 us 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.”
Stawell resident Roger Phillis participated in the first round of the program.
“When I finished treatment, I knew I needed help,” he said.
“I was so alone in the world. This program helped me make new friends, learn to breathe better, exercise and achieve my goal of cooking for myself again.
“My next goal is to mow the lawn. You get so much happiness out of achieving your goals.”
Stawell Regional Health chief executive Liz McCourt said the hospital continued to deliver a high-quality service to residents.
The program will be available to people via Stawell Regional Health, Rural Northwest Health and Wimmera Health Care Group.
Ms McCourt said people wanting more information could phone Stawell Regional Health on 5358 8630.
We hear regularly that cancer patients can have trouble adjusting to their ‘new normal’ ...
- Meg Chiswell
