Cancer survivors in the Blue Mountains can improve their lifestyle habits thanks to a tailored exercise and nutrition program run by Cancer Council NSW.
ENRICHing Survivorship is a free group-based program comprised of eight, two-hour, face-to-face, weekly sessions.
Cancer survivors receive information on nutrition, participate in physical activities and talk about adjusting to life following cancer treatment. The program includes a yoga and mindfulness session to help participants reduce stress and anxiety.
Cancer survivor and Blaxland resident David Wilkinson said the program helped him to alter his lifestyle after treatment for prostate cancer.
“My wife Jan and I both did the program. The first thing it taught us was to re-examine our diet,” he said.
“We’d always eaten good food, but after the program we cut down on the quantity of meat we were eating and increased our fruit and vegetable intake.”
Cancer Council NSW Greater Western Sydney Community Programs Co-ordinator Natalia Atcha said lifestyle programs like ENRICHing Survivorship were an efficient and effective way to support behaviour change and improve the long-term health of those affected by cancer.
“A healthy diet and physical activity have been shown to enhance the physical and psychosocial health of cancer survivors and reduce the risk of cancer and cancer recurrence,” she said.
“We understand previous habits can be hard to change on your own, and with the added fatigue experienced by many cancer survivors, people can easily slip back into their old ways post-treatment.
“Getting back to a healthy lifestyle after cancer is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Our yoga and mindfulness session targets overall health and wellbeing by teaching participants relaxation and meditation techniques to help reduce stress and anxiety.”
Mr Wilkinson said the sessions were highly beneficial in helping him regain confidence and self-esteem.
“I was quite fragile after my diagnosis and subsequent treatment. It’s part of the therapeutic process,” he said.
“The camaraderie of the other people participating was also really helpful through my recovery.”
Cancer survivors are encouraged to bring carers, partners and family members to participate in the program.
To register your interest in attending the ENRICHing Survivorship program in Nepean starting April 14 visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/ENRICH, phone 1300 360 541or email enrich@nswcc.org.au.
