A cancer diagnosis can come out of the blue at any time. Cancer doesn’t discriminate – young and old or fit and healthy – and often there is no reason as to why cancer strikes. But a new way of supporting cancer patients through exercise is helping local cancer patients fight back, to gain strength and support to tackle cancer treatment head on. We spoke to Kylie Moffitt, founder and certified oncology rehabilitation Physiotherapist at PhysioHealth in Corrimal, and creator of the region’s first specialised oncology exercise program, CanConquer. 

Over the last few years, research in cancer rehabilitation has been rapidly unfolding with the medical community considering exercise a key way to counteract the adverse side effects of cancer and its treatment. With over 70% of cancer patients continuing to struggle with side effects up to 10 years after completing their treatment, the research reveals the huge demand for rehabilitation support services across the Illawarra and beyond. 

Kylie Moffitt is a firm believer that specific exercise oncology programs, lymphoedma early detection, mindfulness, and ongoing community support during and after treatment can complement the medical treatment for cancer and hugely improve the quality of life for patients.

“Medical professionals and oncology specialists do a wonderful job focusing on removing the disease, but once treatment is underway, or completed, it doesn’t mean that the emotional and functional recovery is complete,” says Kylie.

“In the past when people have been diagnosed with cancer, they were told to go home and rest, but in fact, that’s more harmful to them as they go through their cancer treatments. Cancer treatment is notoriously harsh on the body and patients can experience a lot of deconditioning. A loss of muscle mass, cardiovascular fitness, bone density, and huge amounts of fatigue or nausea. Many patients accept that this is part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to be the ‘new normal”. 

“One of the reasons we promote exercise during cancer treatment is to help slow that deconditioning spiral and to be as healthy and strong as possible to tolerate their treatment more effectively. Even gentle and subtle exercises can be beneficial and help patients to keep moving and increase their energy. There is fabulous evidence demonstrating that exercise oncology helps to counteract many of the treatment side effects, and rehabilitate post-operative shoulder and joint impairments.”

Research studies have also shown so many positive effects of exercising during treatment. This includes how exercise increases blood flow around the body, potentially helping chemotherapy treatment to target cancerous cells. “Exercise results in increased blood flow at the time of exercise which can potentially improve the vascularisation of cancer cells. We’re hoping that by increasing the perfusion to those cells, the chemo can better reach its target,” explains Kylie.  

The physical benefits are evident, however the mental and social benefits of exercising during cancer treatment is also clear. For Stephen Meredith from East Corrimal, his involvement in the CanConquer program has been instrumental in getting his health back on track after being diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma in 2015.

“The program has been way more than exercise – you can do that anywhere!” says Steve. “I was referred to the program by my GP after an exhausting chemo regime. I’ve been ‘mothered’ by the CanConquer team for the last four years. It has targeted my specific cancer diagnosis, treatment and surgery implications, but also came with an unexpected twist.” 

“Training with other afflicted patients and sharing the journey together has given me a mental lift far beyond just an exercise program. Hearing about the myriad of cancers and treatments keep things in perspective for me, it boosts my ability and confidence to talk about this disease and the fun social aspect has made me feel less like ‘just another’ cancer patient – the program speaks for itself,” he says.

Kylie and her team are all too aware of the emotional and mental stress that a diagnosis can cause and the positive impact exercise, in conjunction with a supportive network, can have on recovery. “The mental impacts of cancer are huge. There’s a lot of distress and overwhelm when you are diagnosed with cancer. You’re on this cancer treatment rollercoaster. There’s a lot of new information and treatments to take on board. In many ways, our rehab exercise program eventually helps the patient feel like they are taking steps forward and help to give them a little bit of control back,” says Kylie.

“We see people come into the gym directly after having their chemotherapy. They come in and they feel like they’re dragging their knuckles, but we go slowly and help them step their way through. And when they leave, they feel a lot better, have a spring in their step and their spirits are lifted.”

“Of course, that may not happen every day. No treatment is the same and people are affected by their treatment in different ways, but having a place where they feel comforted and nurtured is like a sanctuary for many of our patients, they have permission to feel the way they do at any particular time.”

In fact, the support and banter doesn’t end at the gym. Patients can participate in CanConquer’s social group and join in outdoor group walks, stand up paddle boarding and coffee catch-ups. Steve Meredith has even built a bench for the laneway outside the clinic to gather and chat in the sunshine. “We have relationships with the local coffee shops in Corrimal and encourage our patients to have a coffee and a chat after they finish their session, which is fantastic. It’s lovely to see them make some wonderful and supportive friendships.” 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For more information about cancer rehabilitation services visit Pinc and Steel or CanConquer