Cancer

Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterised by abnormal cell growth that can invade and spread to other parts of the body. It can affect various organs and systems, with some common types including breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancers. Exercise can help across your whole journey – either whilst in treatment, later stages of cancer or in remission. 

 

How our Exercise Physiologists can help:

Assessment – The exercise physiologist conducts a comprehensive 60-minute evaluation, including medical history, review of cancer diagnosis/treatment, assessment of current physical function, exercise capacity, fatigue levels, and quality of life. 

Exercise Prescription – Based on the assessment, an individualised exercise program is developed tailored to the type of cancer, treatment phase, specific needs and limitations. This may involve aerobic, strength, flexibility and functional training. 

Cancer Rehabilitation Program – Exercise physiologists play a key role in structured exercise programs as part of comprehensive cancer rehabilitation. These programs aim to counteract treatment side effects, improve physical function and quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. 

Monitoring and Progression – Close monitoring of exercise responses, fatigue levels, treatment-related symptoms and safety precautions is done during sessions. The program is adjusted and progressed based on the individual’s changing needs and abilities. 

Education – Providing education on the benefits of exercise during and after cancer treatment, energy conservation strategies, lymphedema prevention, and promoting long-term adherence to an active lifestyle. 

Collaboration – Working closely with oncologists, nurses, GPs, dietitians and other professionals for an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to cancer care and rehabilitation. 

Benefits:

    1. Improved cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength/endurance. 
    2. Better functional ability and independence with daily activities. 
    3. Reduced cancer-related fatigue and improved quality of life. 
    4. Counteracting side effects of cancer treatment like lymphedema risk. 
    5. Guidance on safe, tailored exercise programs during treatment. 
    6. Support for lifestyle behaviour changes to improve overall health. 

Exercise physiologists play a vital role in cancer care by developing and implementing individualised exercise programs as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach to improve physical function, manage treatment side effects and enhance quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.

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