Article supplied by Mid North Coast Physiotherapy
While evidence supporting the role of exercise in treating cancer continues to build, the implementation of the research findings into regular practice has been noticeably slower. This is all about to change thanks to a new project in Coffs Harbour that supports patients with cancer to capitalise on the benefits of exercise during and after their treatment.
The program is a joint initiative between the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute and Mid North Coast Physiotherapy.
It is well-known that staying physically active is one of many ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer. However, with a major worldwide effort from the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, we are now seeing the introduction of exercise alongside traditional treatment methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy to further improve the outcomes of these treatments.
Research has shown that exercise can:
- Improve the effectiveness of treatment
- Reduce adverse side effects
- Reduce the risk of cancer recurrence
- Reduce fatigue
- Improve immune function
Not only is exercise great for our physical health, there are major psychological benefits, including improving mood, reducing stress, and improving our social interactions and support networks.
The new project will see cancer patients referred by the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute’s Coffs Harbour team to the Exercise Physiology team at Mid North Coast Physiotherapy. Patients will receive an individual consultation where their existing capabilities will be assessed and a number of baseline measures will be collected.
Patients will then participate in weekly exercise groups specifically for cancer patients, while being given a personalised home exercise program along with support and education throughout the project. The patients will then complete the program with another individual consultation to measure their physical and psychological improvements, while being supported to continue their exercise outside of the program.
Mid North Coast Physiotherapy director Aaron Hardaker is eager to see the project launched.
“It is so exciting to bring this opportunity to cancer patients in our region and take the positive research findings from theory to practice,” Mr Hardaker said.
“The team at Mid North Coast Physio is really motivated to implement best practice for cancer and exercise and can’t wait to help these patients get the best outcomes for the future.”
If you would like to know more about the project, contact Paul Killey at the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute ([email protected]) or Aaron Hardaker at Mid North Coast Physiotherapy ([email protected]).
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