“I cannot say strongly enough that exercise in cancer care saves lives.”
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That’s the message from Dr Diana Adams, senior staff specialist of medical oncology, at Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre.
The centre offers two programs which encourage exercise for cancer patients: ENRICHing Survivorship and Active Survivors Program.
The centre is championing the programs on the back of a new missive from the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia which calls for exercise to be embedded as part of standard practice in cancer care and built into every treatment plan.
Read more: GPs urged to 'prescribe exercise'
“Exercise can reverse treatment-related side effects, improve muscle mass, stamina, self-esteem and quality of life, and importantly slow the disease’s progression and improve chances of survival,” Dr Adams said.
“I am delighted that we are seeing firsthand the benefits of exercise in Macarthur.”
Harrington Park resident Carolyn Fenwick, who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2015, exercises several times a week.
She has noticed a marked difference in herself since beginning her regime.
“I feel better physically and mentally,” she said. “I tell everyone to give exercise a go. You’ve got to challenge yourself and keep active.”
Ms Fenwick does resistance training at Anytime Fitness, Narellan Town Centre and also frequently walks around Harrington Park Lake.
She said she was “grateful for all the help our health system has provided me”.