AI-generated image for illustrative purposes only. The people pictured are not participants in Adelaide University’s My Cancer Exercise Program.
A new Adelaide University program is helping people living with cancer build strength, manage treatment side effects and improve their wellbeing, with supervised exercise classes costing as little as $5.
For people undergoing cancer treatment or navigating life after a diagnosis, finding the energy to exercise can be difficult. But a new Adelaide initiative is showing how staying active, with the right support, can make a real difference.
Adelaide University’s My Cancer Exercise Program (My CEP) offers affordable, individually tailored exercise sessions for people living with cancer, helping them maintain strength, improve their confidence and manage the physical challenges of treatment.
Held at the university’s City East Exercise Physiology Clinic, the program is delivered by final-year Clinical Exercise Physiology students under the supervision of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
With small group classes limited to five participants, each person receives exercise guidance suited to their individual needs, health and treatment.
Program lead and Adelaide University lecturer Rebecca Dostan said exercise can play an important role in supporting people through cancer.
“Cancer and its treatment can take an enormous toll on the body, and when you’re feeling tired, weak or unwell, exercise can understandably be the last thing on your mind,” Dostan said.
“But prescribed exercise can actually be an important part of cancer care, helping manage some of the side effects of treatment, maintain strength and function, and improve quality of life.”
Research has shown that exercise can help manage treatment-related side effects, including fatigue, sleep difficulties, muscle loss and changes to bone health. Clinical studies have also linked exercise with reduced risks of cancer recurrence and mortality, although outcomes vary depending on cancer type and individual circumstances.
For Adelaide mum Jessie Marshall, the program has become an important part of living with metastatic breast cancer.
Jessie was diagnosed with hormone-positive metastatic breast cancer in March this year, with the disease spreading to her bones.
While undergoing ongoing treatment, she has also been managing fatigue, nausea and medically induced menopause.
After being referred to My CEP by her McGrath Foundation Breast Cancer Nurse, Jessie has discovered a new appreciation for exercise and the difference it can make.
“When I was diagnosed with incurable cancer, the last thing I imagined was that I’d be doing more exercise than I’ve ever done in my life,” Jessie said.
“But physically and mentally, it’s helped me so much. I look forward to my sessions each week, and I love seeing how much stronger I’m becoming.”
For Jessie, building strength is particularly important because of the cancer affecting her bones.
“I want to keep my body as strong as possible while I fight this disease, and I’m well on my way to being the strongest I’ve ever been.”
The program also gives Adelaide University’s fourth-year Clinical Exercise Physiology students valuable hands-on experience supporting people with complex health needs.
Each My CEP program includes an initial consultation, 10 small group exercise classes and an individual discharge plan.
The 45-minute classes are held twice weekly, on Mondays at 9:15am and Fridays at 12:30pm, at the City East Exercise Physiology Clinic.
Participants must obtain written medical clearance from their Medical Oncologist or GP before joining.
With the program now welcoming eligible participants, it offers another affordable option for South Australians looking for professional support to stay active during or after cancer treatment.
For more information or to enquire about joining My CEP, email [email protected].
Related
Previous articleSA joins High Court fight to defend under-16 social media ban
