Prescribing exercise for cancer patients
The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) position statement on exercise in cancer care encourages all health professionals involved in the care of people with cancer to:
- Discuss the role of exercise in cancer recovery
- Recommend their patients adhere to the exercise guidelines
- Refer their patients to a health professional who specialises in the prescription and delivery of exercise (i.e. accredited exercise physiologist or physiotherapist with experience in cancer care)
Cancer Council WA Life Now Exercise
Cancer Council WA’s Life Now Exercise is a 12-week (24 class) course, facilitated by an accredited exercise physiologist and tailor-made for people affected by cancer. Participants receive an individualised exercise program and experience the benefits in a safe and supportive group environment. Eligibility criteria applies.
We welcome you to recommend our Life Now exercise courses to suitable patients. We accept applications:
- By self-referral – For more information and course details please go to our Life Now Exercise and Meditative courses
- By health professional recommendation with patient consent – You can complete the Life Now Exercise Recommendation Form.
Exercise Oncology Course for Exercise Physiologists
‘Exercise Oncology at ECU’ is a professional development course for exercise physiologists who work with cancer patients and survivors. This course, administered by the Edith Cowan University Exercise Medicine Research Institute, is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to design and implement safe and effective exercise programs for people with cancer. The course also provides critical information required for allied health professionals to provide effective advice about the role of exercise in the management of cancer.
For more information on the course please visit Exercise and Sport Science Australia’s website .
Alternatively, contact ECU Exercise Medicine Research Institute on (08) 6304 3444.
Education sessions for allied health professionals
Cancer Council WA is committed to the education and training of all health professionals. The following areas of Cancer Council WA currently offer workshops and seminars that are open to allied health professionals:
- The GP Education Project coordinates professional development for general practice. Allied health professionals are always welcome to attend. For more information on specific events, visit the GP Education pages.
- The Palliative and Supportive Care Education Team offer a range of courses and education programs for nursing, allied health and aged care staff. For more information, see the Cancer Council WA Palliative and Supportive Care Education program.
WACOG (WA Clinical Oncology Group) coordinates professional development for nursing and allied health professionals. For further information contact wacog@cancerwa.asn.au
Dietitians Australia (DA) Oncology Interest Group
Cancer Council WA supports the Dietitians Australia (WA) Oncology Interest Group. As well as organising professional development events the group is a network for dietitians with an interest in oncology.
To become a member of the interest group you must be a member of Dietitians Australia (DA). For more information about becoming a DA or interest group member please visit the Dietitians Australia website.