The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia released a new position statement in May this year highlighting most people with cancer are not meeting exercise recommendations.

SRH Allied Health Manager Rhys Duncan said historically patients were advised to rest and avoid activity.

“Now based on what science tells us, exercise is the best medicine people with cancer can take, in addition to cancer treatments, to slow the progression of cancer and to increase quality of life, as well as improving the chances of survival,” he said. 

Before, during or following cancer treatment all people with cancer should avoid inactivity, SRH said. 

COSA states best practice cancer care should include support by an exercise physiologist and/or physiotherapists with experience in cancer care.

To maximise safety and therapeutic effect, exercise should be prescribed and delivered by these professionals with a focus on working towards ongoing self-managed exercise, SRH said. 

SRH offers an eight week oncology rehabilitation program for participants and their carers before, during or after cancer treatment. The next program at SRH starts on July 2.

The program involves twice weekly supervised exercise sessions over eight weeks at the community rehabilitation centre at SRH. The program cost is $35.

Northern Grampians shire resident Robert completed the program earlier this year.

He said he was provided with motivation and achieved a good level of fitness following a long hospital admission with a history of cancer.

Robert highlighted the support of the Stawell Men’s Shed, his family, council services, dietitians and counselling, in addition to the support from the oncology rehabilitation program.

Robert said he is now continuing with exercise to maintain his strength and general health.

For any questions about the program or exercise advice please call Jade at SRH on 5358 8630.