Class is breath of fresh air for cancer patients

Oct 18 2007 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

A BREAST cancer survivor fighting her illness with fitness is urging other women to join a new exercise class, believed to be the only one of its kind in the North-East.

Anne Power, 69, of South Shields, has battled breast cancer and bone cancer, but the mother of two doesn’t let that deter her from going through her paces.

Moderate exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week is sufficient to cut the chance of breast cancer by 14% to 67% in women with varying risk factors and can cut post-menopausal risk even more, says the British Association for Sport and Exercise Sciences.

For those who have been diagnosed, exercise recommended by professionals can speed recovery.

The retired special school teacher now lives by this mantra with gym workouts and cycle sessions which keep her feeling good physically and mentally. “I would highly recommend as much exercise as you can handle to any cancer sufferer because the benefits are numerous – I feel better in myself, and it mentally prepares me for another relapse.

“I want to fight this disease – I won’t sit in the corner and let it beat me – and I would encourage anybody to fight to stay positive about their body.”

Classes have begun in Jarrow in the Lebed Method, a programme of movement and dance which helps women who have had breast surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or chronic fatigue.

The class is each Friday at St Clare’s Hospice.

She said: “It is the only cancer-specific exercise class available in the North-East. It was great for building us up again physically and mentally.

“It was also good fun – we were blowing bubbles, which is good for your lungs, and playing with a feather boa.”

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Exercise fends off the disease

MORE than half of all cases of cancer can be prevented by changes to lifestyle, says Cancer Research UK’s Reduce the Risk campaign.

Regular exercise, including activities such as housework, DIY, gardening and stair climbing have been shown to cut the risk of breast cancer by up to 20%, the charity says.

During the current Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cancer Research UK is encouraging women to be breast aware and make changes to their lives to reduce the risk of cancer.

One in nine women will develop breast cancer, making it the most common women’s cancer in the UK. Age is the biggest risk factor, with more than 80% of cases in women over 50, but people of any age can make a few small changes to reduce their risk.

Keeping a healthy body weight is important, cutting down alcohol, eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and doing a few hours’ vigorous exercise a week can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 20%. Visit www.reducetherisk.org.uk