In Australia, 1 person will be diagnosed with cancer every 4 minutes. Physical inactivity and obesity have been found to be a risk factor in the development of some cancers.
Accredited Exercise Physiologist’s have specialised knowledge and skills in the principles surrounding fitness testing, exercise prescription and programming, as well as having an understanding of the current best-practice in exercise medicine for cancer patients and survivors. In order to best assess a cancer survivors exercise tolerance and prescribe a safe and effective exercise program, it is important to understand the specifics of their diagnosis and treatments received.
Research has shown that tailored exercise can work to lessen side effects of various treatments such as fatigue and can help with reducing the risk of other health problems such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease which can be developed during treatment. It has also been shown that exercise can improve an individual’s quality of life and mental well-being.
Different treatment options including:
• Surgery (i.e. curative or palliative)
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Biotherapy (i.e. immunotherapy, gene therapy)
All treatment options have subsequent side effects, dependant on the individual and prognosis. Exercise Physiologist are well educated in the side effects of treatments, medications, biomechanical changes and contraindications to their treatments.
For some people, this may be the beginning of their fitness journey, we make it our mission to not only prescribe a safe and effective program, but to make it enjoyable and ensure you feel comfortable throughout. We are here to provide support and encouragement through this journey to improving your physical and mental well-being!
“Medicine saved my life, but exercise gave me my life back”
– Jamie Saunders (AEP)
