Forum Discussion
ABC Catalyst: Exercise and Cancer
Last Night ABC Catalyst aired a story on exercise and cancer. The program explored the research and benefits of exercise during active cancer treatment. One Australian trial being undertaken by Professor Rob Newton at Edith Cowan University in Perth is looking at the benefits of exercise during chemotherapy treatment, including for breast cancer patients. While the trial is still ongoing, early results have been very positive.
We highly recommend watching this Catalyst episode, which can been found on ABC iView - http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/catalyst/SC1502H014S00.
21 Replies
Hi Primek,
I found that I felt better after the exercise sessions I did during my Chemotherapy Treatment. However, I did find getting the motivation to start the exercise sessions difficult, but once I started to see the benefits of each exercise session, the positives soon outweighed the negatives. I did feel sleepy/fatigued at times but that usually came in the afternoons after I had my Chemo and Exercise sessions. I was fortunate not to feel any dizziness during my Chemo or throughout any of my exercise sessions.
Much love,
Nat :)
Hi! Jane has commented previously about exercise through the Encore program - here's the link for anyone that maybe interested and if it is available in your area
ywca encore is a free 8-week program for women who have experienced breast cancer.
Cheers
Well done Nat you did a great job :) my brother called me to say I needed to watch ABC now!! to find it was you on the show your a star!!!!
My Nat has been going to an exercise physiologist here in Adelaide for a few weeks now ( not on her chemo day but 2 days after ) she has lost a lot of weight and muscle mass on chemo, she feels a great improvement in her muscle strength. I would definitely recommend it wish we new about it earlier in her treatment.
Congrats
Cheers Sue
Hi Nat,
Thank you for offering your support to the members here.
Ann-Marie x
Hi AnneBirdy and Maryrose,
You GP or oncologist can refer you to an accredited exercise physiologist they think would be suitable under a GP Management Plan and a Team Care Arrangement (MBS Item 721). Alternatively you can do a specific search here - https://www.essa.org.au/find-aep/.
I would suggest discussing a referral plan and your eligibility for Medicare, Work Cover, Veterans Affairs, TAC and Health Insurance rebates with your medical practitioner.
Warmest Regards,
Fiona
I can't imagine doing a program following my AC chemo on the day...but thought it could be doable beforehand. Did you find the drugs made you sleepy or dizzy?
Most GPs can do a health care plan and refer you to an exercise physiologist who could set you up with a program dependent on your limitations and areas requiring strength improvement. You can then have 4 sessions under medicare. They wouldn't need to be cancer doecific ones. ..they understand the needs of most diseases and could research if they needed also. My oncologist just recommended 30 mins aerobic a day, such as walking and weight / strength trsining x 3 times a week.
Hi ladies,
I am Nat one of the participants from the trial that was aired on Catalyst last night. I am online and happy to answer any questions anyone may have about being part of this program. The most important thing I have learned from being part of this Exercise and Cancer trial is that having a go can give you pleasing and unexpected results. So if you can please try and add some exercise to your daily routine (of course check with your doctors/oncologists first).
Take care,
Nat xx
Yes i was wondering the same thing..i am in the eastern suburbs of melbourne.
Maryrose
That's really interesting. Any tips on how to find a good exercise physiologist who has experience with those who are treating cancer? I'm in inner west Sydney
