Exercise Therapy

Exercise is good for us – this is an undisputed fact. Lack of exercise has been linked to many an illness – cancer included. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are acknowledged as contributing risk factors by cancer experts everywhere. Yet still so many people do not do enough exercise and very few cancer treatment centres incorporate it as part of their treatment.  We are proudly leading the way in this area.

One man who knows better than most, the great benefits of exercise for cancer patients, is Professor Robert Newton, the Foundation Professor of Exercise and Sports Science and Co-Director of the Exercise Medicine Research Institute at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia. Professor Newton’s research focus is exercise for the management of cancer and treatment side-effects, with particular emphasis on identifying and understanding the biological mechanisms by which exercise medicine suppresses tumour progression. Professor Newton has been studying exercise and its effects on cancer for more than 15 years and his findings are groundbreaking and exciting. He has found that – amongst other things – exercise strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight cancer.

Certain types of exercise is better for certain types of cancer, so a tailored approach is required. The positive effects of exercise extends beyond cancer and also improves the overall health of patients, including cardiovascular health, strength, bone-density, mood and so much more – and there are no negative side effects.

SoSDT 4 LIFE has engaged the services of Professor Newton to set up our Exercise Therapy Program and he will be an on-going consultant for us and our clients moving forward.

Throughout the international medical allied health communities, Australia is recognised as having many of the world’s leading Exercise Physiologists. Through our Patient Advocate Network, our patients will have access to oncology trained EPs that can assist them with their program when they are at home. The sooner patients can start the program the better. Professor Newton recommends that patients start on a tailored program as soon as they receive a cancer diagnosis.