Cancer Rehab Awareness Week
7th - 13th Spetember 2020
At least one in three people are diagnosed with cancer, and successfully completing treatment is often just their first step in an arduous journey back to health. That’s why My Physio in Timaru is supporting New Zealand’s pioneering cancer rehabilitation organisation PINC & STEEL in its launch of the world’s first Cancer Rehabilitation Awareness Week, 7-13th September, 2020.
“The impact of cancer on a person’s daily life is immediate and striking,” says PINC & STEEL Chief Executive Lou James (MNZM). “Often it’s only the survivors and their loved ones who know the real physical and emotional toll and ongoing difficulties cancer treatment can bring.”
“Cancer rehabilitation can have a major influence on ‘quality’ of life, both during and after treatment. The trouble is people don’t know that there is help available and the benefits it can bring to their daily life,” says Pam Allan, physiotherapist at My Physio which provides PINC & STEEL’s revolutionary cancer rehabilitation programs.
Ms James agrees. “Historically the advice to cancer patients was to rest and avoid activity. We now know this advice may be harmful to patients, and every person with cancer would benefit from cancer rehab support to ensure they are physically active,” she explains. “There is very strong evidence to show people affected by cancer who participate in exercise experience fewer and less severe side effects from treatments. They also have a lower relative risk of cancer recurring.”
Certified cancer rehab physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help people overcome the impairments and barriers they face to becoming physically active, and help them get back to enjoying life to their full potential.
My Physio has seen time and time again how cancer rehabilitation has helped not only individuals, but has given hope back to families and strengthened entire communities. Cancer survivor Georgina Hamilton has experienced these benefits first-hand.
“The Pinc & Steel programme was pivotal to my recovery from surgery, managing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and my overall well-being during the best part of the 12 month period following my breast cancer diagnosis. I honestly believe that without the programme, my recovery would have been significantly slower, and consequently my ability to actively engage with my children again, return to work and otherwise get my life back after such a challenging time would have been seriously compromised.” says Georgina.
Pam says she is excited about the Cancer Rehabilitation Awareness Week and watching the benefits ripple around the world.
“We’ve been offering PINC & STEEL’s cancer rehabilitation programs for 11 years and have seen far-reaching benefits in the South Canterbury community,” says Pam. “We’d love to see more cancer survivors come through our doors and receive individualised rehabilitation on their journey to wellness.”
To learn more about how you can support Cancer Rehabilitation Awareness Week, visit: