SWAN Hill residents affected by cancer can plan for life after treatment at a free cancer wellness program next month.
Information for people who have been affected by cancer, as well as their loved ones, will be available over two sessions starting on Wednesday, May 10, at Swan Hill District Health’s community health division.
The Cancer Council Victoria program is run by local health professionals to assist those affected by cancer in making the change to life after treatment and finding a “new normal”.
Topics covered include adjusting to physical and emotional changes after cancer treatment; working with your GP to adopt a healthy lifestyle; strategies for managing fatigue and other challenges and connecting to support services in the community.
An average of 138 people are diagnosed with cancer in Swan Hill each year.
Cancer Council Victoria head of cancer information and support services Katherine Lane said the program provided “invaluable” support and information for people recovering from cancer treatment.
“We often speak with people affected by cancer who share how challenging it is to return to their lives after their treatment ends,” she said.
“Finding a ‘new normal’ is physically and emotionally complex, so we’re looking forward to continuing to support individuals impacted by cancer through the process.”
One recent participant of the program said: “Things didn’t just fall back into place like they were before I got sick.
“This program really helped me deal with changes in my life at home and at work. It made me realise I wasn’t the only one feeling a bit overwhelmed.”
To register or for more information, contact Emma Brown on 5033 9201 or at EBrown@shdh.org.au.
