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.
  (52-page booklet in PDF or hard copy)

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 program. Buttons at the bottom of the page link to the booklet, ‘Exercise for people living with cancer’ listed above.
 (web)

Exercise basics
Natalie Craven/Counterpart (VIC, 2020)
Exercise physiologist Natalie Craven explains the benefits of exercising during and after a cancer diagnosis. Includes a short exercise routine.
(webinar)

Why wait for wellness: Exercise physiologist
Cancer Survival Guide (AUS, 2020)
In episode 2 of this podcast, Accredited Exercise Physiologist Tracey Duggan explains how exercise can help counteract many negative side effects of cancer and its treatment.
(podcast)

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 a 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)

Why wait for wellness: Dietitian
Cancer Survival Guide (AUS, 2020)
In episode 1 of this podcast, Dietitian Amy Smith discusses the role of diet in helping you thrive during cancer treatment and beyond.
(podcast)

Healthy eating after cancer
Bree Voegt; Countepart (VIC, 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)

Gut microbiome
Sandra Villella/Counterpart (VIC, 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)

Sleep and cancer
Oliver Holmes/Counterpart (VIC, 2021)
Dr Oliver Holmes from Peter MacCallum’s ‘Can-Sleep’ service explains what we can do to improve 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)

Nutrition
Cancer Council Victoria (AUS, 2019)
Brief web page with advice on healthy eating. Buttons at the bottom 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)