which can make all the difference to recovery.” Accoerding to Susan Morris, general manager for Macmillan in Wales.
She says new research showed that the message was still not being passed on to cancer patients about just how important it is for them to keep active.
“It’s hard to encourage people to think about keeping active during and after gruelling cancer treatment but, increasingly, many patients will need our help to bust the myth that resting up is always the right thing to do, ” said Ms Morris.
Macmillan backing scheme
According to a BBC report, in Hydrotherapy session at a swimming pool, Patients are encouraged to take more exercise such as hydrotherapy.
Yet Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has just closed their Hydrotherapy pool; excuse is that pool floor is breaking up, even though it is less than a year since a new lining was installed. When patients complained at yet another closure, they are being kept in the dark and don’t know when it will re-open.
However, in Wales Cancer patients are being encouraged to take more exercise in a pilot scheme aimed at boosting their quality of life and independence.
Single cancer diagnosis patients in north Wales, Cardiff and Swansea will be assessed by a “physical activity champion” under the year-long scheme.
Macmillan Cancer Support said research showed greater fitness reduces stress, fatigue and clinical dependency. Exercise could make all the difference to recovery.
The scheme is being trialed by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and Velindre NHS Trust.
As Susan Morris Macmillan Cancer Suppor says, “tIt’s hard to encourage people to think about keeping active during and after gruelling cancer treatment but, increasingly, many patients will need our help ”
Among those taking part is Fiona Lamb, 80, of Blackpill in Swansea. Diagnosed with inoperable ovarian cancer last year, she has been attending hydrotherapy and gym exercise sessions at the Wales National Pool.
“The hydrotherapy programme includes a series of muscle-strengthening exercises and keeps me exercising every Wednesday,” she said.
“I enjoy it as I used to do a lot of swimming and it gives me the chance to meet other people in the same boat and have a good laugh with them.”
Miss Lamb said prior to her diagnosis she had always kept herself fit.
“My cancer is inoperable, although I have been extremely lucky as I’ve had no real pain,” she said.