Living life beyond Cancer

A four phase program adapted to all types of cancer

Phases of Cancer Rehabilitation

1

Phase 1 is for individuals who are currently undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The goal of this phase is to reduce some of the debilitating impacts of chemotherapy and radiation. Clients remain in this phase for as long as their cancer treatment lasts.

2

Phase 2 is for individuals moving on from Phase 1, or for clients who are post-treatment. If the client has had surgical, hormonal or immunotherapy treatment, they can enter Phase 2 immediately. The focus of this phase is to incorporate activities of daily living into the exercise prescription and improve functional status. This phase will last approximately 3 months.

3

Graduating from Phase 2, we move clients on to Phase 3. In this phase, we focus on the main forms of function, including heart and lung health, muscular strength, balance and flexibility. Improving overall quality of life and returning to a normal (pre-cancer) state of health will be the goal of Phase 3, as well as appropriate reintegration into the community. This program lasts approximately 3 months.

4

The final phase of Cancer Rehabilitation focuses on building up your client’s stamina, strength and motivation to continue activities within their community, including group classes and open gym training (if appropriate). This phase aims to prepare your client to maintain an active lifestyle going forward. This should therefore reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and/or the development or deterioration of other chronic issues.

Health and medical status will be assessed throughout each phase and it is possible to return to an earlier phase, if needed.

The importance of exercise for cancer patients?

As people living with cancer are dealing with compromised health status and decreased motivation, participating in physical activity and exercise may seem counterproductive to them. This is especially true for individuals living with fatigue as a result of treatment, or those struggling with their psychological well-being during a very stressful time.

This being said, it is very important to stress the safety and many benefits of exercise for people living with cancer, including people who will, or have undergone intense cancer treatment(s).

These benefits include improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, body composition, quality of life, and psychological well-being. As a WillKin Kinesiologist, it is very important to prioritize our clients and aim to help them take advantage of the physical, physiological, and emotional benefits that exercise can bring.

Exercising during cancer treatment

Research shows that exercise during treatment for cancer (chemotherapy or radiation-based) is deemed safe, and is beneficial. Various types of exercise during treatment can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, psychological well-being, and potentially lessen some of the side effects of a client’s treatment.

Our goal is to help clients recognize and understand any barriers that they may face and help develop their confidence to exercise within their abilities. Aim to share research articles and discuss them with your client. Ultimately, we aim to help clients maintain their strength and, to the best of their ability, continue carrying out tasks of daily living during this time.

Topics covered during the Cancer Rehabilitation exercise program

  • Posture training
  • Energy conservation
  • Breaking the fatigue cycle
  • Restful sleep
  • Stretching and relaxation (breathing techniques)
  • Nutrition & cancer (The Healthy Plate)
  • Stability
  • Fall prevention
  • Proprioception and neuropathy
  • Coordination and balance
  • Positive thinking
  • Functional training for household chores
  • Long-term goal setting
  • How to maintain a routine

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COVID-19: In response to the pandemic, WillKin has adapted the delivery of its services by now offering all of its programs remotely.

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