New Cancer Wellness program launched

Stawell residents affected by cancer can soon access a comprehensive survivorship education, exercise and wellness program.

The Wellness and Life after Cancer Exercise and Supportive Care program will provide people who have finished their active cancer treatment with two-hour education and exercise sessions.

District health professionals will deliver the sessions at multiple sites in the region.

The first eight-week program starts on June 22 at health services in Stawell and Warracknabeal.

Stawell Regional Health chief executive Liz McCourt said she was excited Stawell was involved in the new development.

“This program is especially designed for people who have survived cancer,” she said.

“People at the end of their treatment and who have been through the process of chemotherapy have this program to help them deal with the aftermath of all of this and this is a first for Stawell.”

The program will be delivered at both Stawell and Warracknabeal using video conferencing to link participants together.

The Cancer Council Victoria program will also assist participants to increase their fitness and strength, improve their ability to perform daily tasks, learn to cope with life after and identify support services.

Stawell Regional Health has offered an oncology rehabilitation group since 2014, which helps people to deal with cancer.

Up to 209 people are diagnosed with cancer in the Grampians each year.

Ms McCourt said the region had made a concerted push to make cancer a priority.

“Our health services are in touch with the needs of our community when it comes to cancer and that is great to see,” she said.

“This program will provide people with the tools they need to get back into exercise and to deal with changes.”

To register, or to find out more, contact Stawell Regional Health on 5358 8630 or Rural Northwest Health on 5396 1315. ​