Webinar: What role does exercise play in my cancer recovery?
In this webinar we explore the role exercise plays in cancer recovery and welcoming panellists Dr Di Adams (Medical Oncologist), Jennifer Chan (Exercise Physiologist), and Veronica Leonardo (cancer survivor) to share their expert opinion and real-life experiences with us.
There are many benefits to exercising during and after cancer treatment. Moderate exercise has been found to not only improve the effect of chemotherapy but also enhances wellness after cancer treatment and may reduce the chance of cancer returning. Often, cancer survivors experience a range of challenges after cancer treatment, and whilst incorporating exercise into their daily lives may not be a priority for many people, it can restore their physical and emotional wellbeing.
We understand that some form of exercise during and after cancer treatment may minimise many of the physical and emotional side effects. Research shows that exercise has been proposed as a strategy to help address the issues faced by cancer survivors. People are encouraged to participate in regular physical activity, but where do you start and how can I adjust it to my life after treatment?
Speakers
Veronica Leonardo
I was 40 when I was diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer, which had already spread to my lymph nodes under my armpit.
The diagnosis was a complete shock, and initially I had a very difficult time dealing with it. Cancer Council was very supportive to me with subsidising counselling and also organising Cancer Connect for me.
Cancer was a challenging period of my life, but it also provided me with a new perspective on life – one I’m very grateful for.
Five years on from diagnosis and I’m proud to now be the Chair for WSCAN, and I look forward to giving back to the cancer community in any way I can.
Dr Di Adams
Dr Di Adams is a practising Senior Staff Specialist Medical Oncologist specialising in breast, gynaecological, urological cancers and melanoma at the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre (MCTC). She also represents Clinical Oncology on the Executive Committee of the COSA Exercise and Cancer Group promoting its recently revised Position Statement of Exercise in Cancer Care.
Di is heavily involved in Cancer Survivorship education and promoting the need to address both primary and secondary prevention in obesity driven cancers. She strives for all healthcare professionals to embed exercise as part of routine cancer care for those people living with a diagnosis of cancer. She advocates for recovery towards wellness during and after treatment through tailored and individualised Survivorship Care Plans.
Jennifer Chan
Jennifer Chan is an accredited exercise physiologist. She has over ten years of experience working in government based occupational rehabilitation, hospital and in private clinical practice.
She is driven by the need to help people manage their conditions with exercise. She was drawn to the area of exercise and cancer after cancer had affected the lives of those around her and at the time there was not much research available into this area. Her interest into the effects of exercise with cancer has led her to the role of facilitating the NSW Cancer Council ENRICHing survivorship program since its pilot back in 2009. She hopes to get you on the exercise train and see where it can take you!
