New Australian-first exercise program for cancer patients

HUNDREDS of cancer patients will have access to free exercise programs in Victoria after research found exercise actually helps those diagnosed.

Three free group exercise sessions a week for three months will be included in the program.

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CANCER patients will be able to access free exercise programs designed to help with the side effects of treatment, increase quality of life and improve survival.

A powerhouse of hospitals, universities and cancer organisations are supporting the Australian-first program being launched tomorrow after research uncovered the huge benefits of physical activity.

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“We have enough evidence to say that every person diagnosed with cancer should be prescribed exercise medicine in addition to their standard care,” said Assoc. Professor Prue Cormie from the Mary Mackillop Institute for Health Research at Australian Catholic University.

“Based on what the science tells us, exercise is the best medicine someone can take outside their standard treatment.

“We know it can reverse treatment-related side effects, increase quality of life and also there is strong data to show it can lower the relative risk of dying from cancer and reduce relapse.”

She led a recent review of more than 100 studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology that found mortality rates among those who regularly exercised fell 28-44 per cent.

Under the EX-MED program, being launched at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre today, patients will be able register their interest online.

They will get a referral from their GP to one of the exercise physiologists who will meet with them to develop a tailored program.

Three free group exercise sessions a week for three months will be included in the program. “If the effects of exercise could be encapsulated in a pill, this pill would be prescribed to every cancer patient worldwide,” Prof Cormie said.

“Yet we know that the overwhelming majority of cancer patients don’t exercise regularly and participation in exercise decreases after diagnosis.”

Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services funded the program for 200 patients and Prof Cormie said they were now investigating additional funding avenues so it could be offered to more people.

To take part: http://www.exmedcancer.org.au/

@Lucie_VDB