People living with cancer will be able to access free, in-person or online courses, with the commencement of Cancer Council WA's Life Now Term 1 timetable in February 2024.
Cancer patient and Life Now Exercise participant, Sue Williams, said the Life Now Program helped her feel better both mentally and physically.
"In 2022, I made an appointment at BreastScreen WA at the recommendation of my GP and was shocked to learn that I had two tumours in my left breast," Sue said.
"Within five days I had undergone a mastectomy to remove my left breast but was grateful I wouldn't have to endure any chemotherapy or radiation.
"It was after I received the Cancer Council WA newsletter that I was excited to learn that there was so much support available for me at no cost.
I signed up for the Life Now Exercise Program at Joondalup last year , as well as the six week Yoga program which was held in Duncraig.
This decision helped me mentally and physically. After each session I came away feeling full of life and invigorated.
"The staff and facilitators at both classes were exceptional, and I am so grateful for that support. I would thoroughly recommend anyone going through a cancer journey to sign up."
Life Now's introductory style courses, including yoga, meditation, exercise, tai chi, and mindfulness are specifically designed for cancer patients and their carers, offering participants the chance to learn techniques to support their physical and mental well-being during treatment and recovery.
Cancer Council WA Life Now Coordinator, Claire Duffy, said she is always delighted to hear such positive feedback from participants.
"We know through numerous studies that there are a range of benefits from attending classes such as exercise, meditation, mindfulness, yoga and tai chi, including reducing anxiety and stress, but it's wonderful to hear first-hand from people like Sue, just how Life Now courses have improved their lives," Ms Duffy said.
Thanks to generous community donations, the Life Now Program offers free evidence-based exercise and meditative courses to support West Australian cancer patients and their carers.
Registrations are essential.
