Living well

These resources provide tips to help you look after your health and wellbeing during treatment.

Exercise for people living with cancer
Cancer Council Australia (AUS, 2019)
Clearly-written explanation of the importance of exercise during and after cancer treatment. Provides tips on exercise preparation, examples of exercises, and where to go for more information and support. Note that you should always speak to your doctor before commencing an exercise program to be sure you choose exercises that are safe for your situation.
  (56-page booklet in PDF or hard copy)

A new contender in the fight against cancer
Prue Cormie (AUS, 2016)
Video of Exercise Physiologist Prue Cormie’s TEDxPerth presentation on her research into the use of prescribed exercise to help regular treatments kill cancer and manage side effects. Not specific to gynaecological cancer. Note that you should always speak to your doctor before commencing an exercise program to be sure you choose exercises that are safe for your situation. YouTube sometimes suggests other videos on similar topics. Please be aware that these other videos have not been reviewed for the Navigator, and may not be reputable.
 (YouTube video – 12 mins 20 secs)

Counterpart exercise programs – on hold due to COVID
Counterpart
Counterpart runs free gentle exercise programs specifically for women who have experienced breast or gynaecological cancer. Stepping Into Wellness is a six-week program held in a range of outer Melbourne locations. Feel Good is an ongoing, fortnightly program held in a Melbourne CBD gym.
 (programs)

Shrink your worries!
Lynda Evans/Counterpart (AUS, 2020)
Social worker Lynda Evans provides practical ideas to manage worries.
(webinar)

All is calm
Lynda Evans/Counterpart (AUS, 2020)
Social worker Lynda Evans outlines strategies to look after ourselves and enjoy the festivities while remaining as calm and stress-free as possible.
(webinar)

Exercise
Cancer Council Victoria (AUS, 2019)
This page explains why exercise is important during and following cancer treatment.  It explains the physical effects that might affect your ability to exercise and includes a list of questions you might ask your doctor before beginning a progam.
Buttons at the bottom of the page link to the booklet, ‘Exercise for people living with cancer’ listed below.
 (web)

Exercise for people living with cancer
Cancer Council (AUS, 2019)
Booklet explaining the benefits of exercise during and after cancer treatment.
(56-page booklet, PDF)

Sleeping soundly
Justine Diggens/Counterpart (AUS, 2019)
Psychologist Justine Diggens gave this presentation in Melbourne in June 2019. She explains practical strategies to help you get a good night’s sleep.
 (webinar)

The thing about cancer. Episode 12: Sleep and cancer
Cancer Council New South Wales (AUS, 2018)
In this podcast, Julie McCrossin and psychiatrist Dr Catherine Mason discuss how cancer affects your sleep and what you can do about it.
 (podcast)

Gut microbiome
Sandra Villella/Counterpart (AUS, 2021)
Naturopath Sandra Villella speaks about the gut microbiome, and the impact of this on our digestive and general health. She explains how to nourish and restore the gut microbiota.
 (webinar)

Healthy eating after cancer
Bree Voegt/Counterpart (AUS, 2021)
After a cancer diagnosis many women want to make sure they are eating well. However, it can be hard to sift through all the conflicting advice and fads to find good advice on this topic. Clinical Dietitian Bree Voegt outlines the guidelines for a healthy diet applicable to everyone.
 (webinar)

Nutrition
Cancer Council Victoria (AUS, 2019)
Brief web page with advice on healthy eating. Buttons at the top of the page link to the booklet, ‘Nutrition and cancer’ described below, as well as the Healthy Living After Cancer program.
 (web)

Nutrition and cancer
Cancer Council Australia (AUS, 2019)
This booklet explains nutrition, and provides advice on managing side effects that affect eating, and nutrition concerns. Includes ideas for recipes and snacks, as well as where to go for more information and support.
  (68-page booklet – PDF or hard copy)