The research behind exercise in cancer care is now undeniable
Cancer Care Rehabilitation Foundation exists to help remove the financial burden for people of the St George and Sutherland Shire, affected by cancer, to access safe, specialised exercise programs that reduce treatment side effects, improve physical function and confidence, support emotional wellbeing, and enhance long-term health outcomes.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
When people with cancer receive the right support — early, safely, and consistently — their lives change. Their confidence grows. Their strength returns. Their treatment becomes more manageable. They feel more like themselves again.
Research has shown that exercise can influence cancer outcomes and play a very positive role, when incorporated alongside treatment for cancer, including:
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Decrease the side effects of treatment including cancer related fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, muscle weakness, bone density issues and low mood.(4,5,15)
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Improve functional strength and mobility, allowing patients to return to work, family life, and the activities they love. (1,2)
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Lower risk of treatment delays or complications, thanks to better physical conditioning and resilience.(6,7, 13, 15)
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Improve mental health, with reduced anxiety, improved mood, and stronger feelings of control. (11,12)
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Lower long-term risk of recurrence by up to 30% in some cancers (16,17)
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Pre operatively, exercise can help prepare your body for surgery and improve speed of recovery. (1-3)
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decreased risk of developing new cancers (18,19)
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decreased risk of developing comorbid conditions e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis (18,19)
Yet, despite this strong evidence, not everyone has access to this exercise medicine due to:
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Financial barriers.
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Being unaware that such services exist
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Being unsure of who and where to reach out to to access this help
Ways You Can Help
Cancer Care Rehabilitation Foundation needs your support to continue providing life-changing care to those in need.
As an Oncologist with 30 years experience, I regularly see the benefits of Exercise in my patients. In localised cancer and even in Cancer that has spread, exercise contributes to a patients wellbeing. Exercise needs to be embedded as part of standard practice in cancer care and to be viewed as an adjunctive therapy that helps counteract the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment.
Evidence shows structured exercise improves survival, reducing cancer recurrence and mortality, with a recent global NEJM study (including Australia) reporting a 28% reduction in recurrence and a 37% reduction in death for colorectal cancer.
Best practice cancer care at any stage of illness is to include referral to an accredited exercise physiologist and/or physiotherapist with experience in cancer care. For my patients the benefits are enormous. My patients have inspired me to be more active and I want to encourage and support any initiative to improve outcome for patients
Dr Jodi Lynch
Senior Medical Oncologist St George and Sutherland Hospitals
Recent research has confirmed what many Oncologists have believed for years - Exercise during and after cancer treatment can improve overall survival from cancer, reduce the chance of cancers returning and prevent new cancers from developing.
I have seen first hand in many of my patients how life changing exercise is, during and after cancer treatment. Being more active has benefits for management of cancer as well as helping to maintain a healthy weight, improve the immune system, strengthen muscle, bones and joints and improve mood and cognition.
I recommend all cancer patients consider seeing an exercise professional and embarking on a structured exercise programme. My hope is that all patients in the St George and Sutherland areas, are able to access this important intervention at minimal or no cost.
Dr Catherine Clark
Radiation Oncologist and Head of Department, St George Hospital
