Central Coast LHD - CoastCanCare

Exercise can help cancer patients both during and after treatment. It reduces fatigue, improves energy and makes everyday tasks easier. It can help reduce side-effects of cancer treatment and offer mental health benefits like better sleep, less anxiety, and improved quality of life.

“In addition to physical and mental health benefits, joining an exercise group with other people who have had cancer can help build a support network and reduce loneliness and isolation. Sometimes catching up with others becomes the motivation to attend class!” said Sharon Czerniec, A/Cancer Services Innovation Manager for Central Coast Local Health District and Conjoint Lecturer at University of Newcastle.

Sharon has led CoastCanCare exercise physiology sessions, so she knows motivation is key.

“Although the benefits of exercise in cancer care are well known, getting started can be difficult. Sometimes people may not have taken part in an exercise program before and don’t know how to begin. Fear of causing harm or making symptoms (like fatigue) worse can become a barrier. Even regular gym-goers can feel unsure of how to return to exercise after months of cancer treatment,” she said.

With CoastCanCare, our exercise programs are developed as part of comprehensive cancer care and supervised by an exercise professional to help overcome these barriers. Our CoastCanCare facilitators can provide guidance, support, and encouragement in a safe environment. Exercises can be adapted and progressed according to each participant’s ability, while also considering the effects of their cancer and its treatments.

“Exercise is a great way to become fitter and stronger, which can help people regain a sense of control during a challenging time. Experiencing improvements in daily life can be very motivating,” said Sharon.

We thank our Dry July donors for supporting CoastCanCare exercise programs to help local patients live well with cancer.

CoastCanCare offers wellness, recovery and rehabilitation programs for individuals who have cancer or are post-cancer treatment. While most health services are focused on diagnosis and treatment of cancer, this program seeks to support individuals with cancer during and after treatment so they can continue to live a full life.

Since last year’s project, our Cancer Services team have established a new multi-disciplinary Steering Committee to deliver CoastCanCare in an expanded capacity. The Committee will plan the programs to be scalable, so the more funds we receive, the longer or more frequently we can offer sessions.

The Committee will ensure that the program is regularly reviewed and evaluated to maximise positive health outcomes for participants. The program development and delivery will also be guided by input and feedback from attendees and our Cancer Services Consumer Committee.

Thank you for taking on the Dry July challenge and supporting the Central Coast Local Health District’s CoastCanCare Wellness Program this year. We are delighted to announce that with your help, the CoastCanCare Wellness Program raised an astounding $17,922.57.

We are beyond grateful for your fundraising efforts, dedication and generosity which has enabled the Central Coast Local Health District to continue offering free wellbeing and recovery programs. These programs truly make a difference to our community and people impacted by cancer.

CoastCanCare supports patients, their families, and carers on the Coast by providing an avenue for people to connect while engaging in wellbeing activities.

The program also connects participants to local services and supports to enable them to recover from cancer and thrive afterwards.

We would like to thank you for making a positive difference in the lives of local cancer patients.

Thanks to Dry July 2023 funds, CoastCanCan can continue to offer free wellbeing and recovery programs for cancer patients, their families and carers.

These programs provide psychological, physical and social support. Examples of programs being delivered include meditation, art therapy, weaving, journaling, yoga, tai chi, “Living Well” workshops and physiotherapy classes.

CoastCanCare also acts as a touch point for people in the community requiring assistance with accessing appropriate resources and supports to enable them to recover and thrive following treatment.

In 2022, CoastCanCare was able to offer seven outpatient wellness programs providing support, information and practical strategies to people impacted by cancer to help manage their physical and mental wellbeing. In 2023, we are aiming to increase the number of activities to nine and strengthen links with the community for ongoing support.

Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, CoastCanCare was able to continue to offer mindfulness, exercise, yoga and social connection online and are now able to offer face-to-face opportunities for these activities.

We are pleased to be introducing an exercise program for adults with a diagnosis of cancer on the Central Coast. A 10-week restorative exercise program has been commissioned with trained staff to provide an evidenced-based and individualised program. The course will be conducted under supervision and in a group setting to allow for that support, encouragement and healthy competition to achieve the best results for each participant.

This complements the existing programs of Yoga and Mindfulness, to provide participants with skills to improve and maintain mental and physical health with a choice of variety.

Our Art Therapy courses are well attended and are providing participants with a different avenue of expression and communicating their experiences.

“The fact that CoastCanCare offers free programs, and they understand when you can’t be there makes it very easy. I even tried things I never would have considered trying before, like journaling, which has helped me a great deal”. Kathy

“We are so fortunate to have this program. It is world class”. Tania

“CoastCanCare provides vital programs which help people connect and provide each other with encouragement. It makes you want to keep living and beat the odds,” Wendy