Psychological distress in people diagnosed with cancer is common and can have a number of negative consequences for affected people, including reduced quality of life and increased experience of physical symptoms. Yoga interventions have the potential to address issues such as anxiety and depression to reduce or eliminate these effects.   Researchers at NICM Health Research Institute, part of Western Sydney University, are looking for people to take part in a short survey on wellbeing in people with cancer and their thoughts on participating in yoga practice. Responses from both those that have and haven’t done yoga before are welcome.   The survey will help design a study evaluating the effects of yoga on mental health in cancer.   Access the survey: https://surveyswesternsydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6JeMrocIfTaVdJ3 ... View more

It can be helpful, reassuring and encouraging to reach out and speak to someone about your cancer experience, whether they are a cancer health care professional, or perhaps another survivor or carer like yourself.   Here are some options of who you can reach out to here at Cancer Council:   Information and Support Line 131120 Mon-Fri https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/coping-with-cancer/cancer-helpline/ Telephone Support Groups - (accessed via 131120) https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/coping-with-cancer/telephone-support-groups-for-cancer-patients-carers/  Cancer Connect (accessed via 131120) https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/coping-with-cancer/cancer-connect/  Cancer Council Online Community - right here! Find a forum, make a post and get chatting. And external to Cancer Council Lifeline 131114 https://www.lifeline.org.au/  There's always someone available to listen.   🌻 Laura 💛 ... View more

Hi forum followers,   Now that we're beginning to see a bit more sunshine in our days and Spring is approaching, I hope you have been able to get outside more frequently, perhaps even venturing out to the streets around your home or a local park to do some walking.    We've talked previously about some excellent Home Workouts, including Cancer Council NSW ENRICH https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/life-after-cancer-treatment/exercise-and-cancer/ Exercise Right https://exerciseright.com.au/homeworkouts   I have come across an exercise series by the Lung Foundation Australia called "Maintaining Movement" which includes some beneficial yet easy exercises you can do at home! See the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CftDKhKRtw8&list=PLx5RMZtuxzUQkqcvPrQ9dGZyqxvpdWCub    What else have you found? Anything that you'd like to share with your peers?   I've been enjoying having more time to do some yoga sessions in my week. Yoga is great for the mind and body! My favourite part is the mindfulness activity at the end where lie still,  do a body scan and feel how the stretches have loosened up our muscles.    And just remember, we're not looking to complete a marathon here! Just small increases in your step count over time will help get you on your way  💛 🌻 ... View more

After a diagnosis of cancer you might be thinking, do I: * continue working? * take time off? * return to work? *retire from work?   Work is an important part of many people’s lives and most employed people diagnosed with cancer wonder how it will affect their ability to work.    Many people fear that they will face discrimination if they tell their employer they have cancer. Others fear being dismissed because they need time off work for treatment or to care for a family member with cancer. While many employers and colleagues are caring and supportive, discrimination in the workplace can occur. Knowing your rights and responsibilities may help reassure you that you are being treated fairly.   Whether you are able to continue working during treatment for cancer or while caring for someone with cancer will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of your job, treatment side effects, the flexibility of your workplace, your leave entitlements and personal matters (such as your finances and how much support you have from family and friends).    The Cancer, Work & You information booklet provides practical support and information regarding this issue. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Cancer-Work-You_Dec2019.pdf   Read cancer stories here: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/legal-work-and-financial-issues/work-and-cancer/for-workers/cancer-stories/   Webinar: Work and Cancer - "How do I manage difficult conversations at work?"  https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/webinars/   Useful organisations and resources Australian Human Rights Commission - humanrights.gov.au Cancer Council Legal, Financial and Workplace Referral Services - 131120 Department of Human Services - humanservices.gov.au Fair Work Commission - fwc.org.au Fair Work Ombudsman - fairwork.gov.au Work After Cancer - workaftercancer.com.au Find More: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/legal-work-and-financial-issues/work-and-cancer/for-workers/help-and-support/   For more information:  https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/legal-work-and-financial-issues/work-and-cancer/for-workers/ Call 131120 Information and Support ... View more

The Survivorship e-news, published by Cancer Council NSW, is a quarterly digital newsletter sent directly to your inbox! Email helplifegetbetter@nswcc.org.au to join the mailing list. ... View more

Hi everyone   Next week is "Exercise Right Week" which is an annual public awareness campaign brought to you by Exercise & Sports Science Australia.   They are hosting some free online events and I thought the following 2 events may appeal to you (but there are also many more found here: https://exerciseright.com.au/exercise-right-week-2020-events/)   Click on the links below for more information and to register. (These events are not run by Cancer Council).   Q&A: Exercise and Cancer - ask us anything! - 27 May 2020 - https://exerciseright.com.au/events/moving-beyond-cancer-event/ Introduction to exercise for oncology class - 28 May 2020 -  https://exerciseright.com.au/events/usq-sports-and-exercise-event2/ Happy exercising 🙂   ... View more

One of the most commonly raised survivorship issues is difficulty sleeping. Difficulty sleeping can be related to cancer treatment, such as pain, breathlessness, anxiety or depression, or could be due to some medicines (e.g. hormone therapy for breast cancer).  Sleep is important for both physical and mental health. If you have ongoing problems with sleeping, talk to your GP.   Here are some resources that may assist with your understanding about the issue: Webinar - "How can I get a good night's sleep?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3BbToBiRWE Podcast - The Thing About Cancer "Sleep and cancer" https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/podcasts/episode-12-sleep-cancer/ Peter Mac Can-Sleep guide - https://www.petermac.org/sites/default/files/media-uploads/PM_0002_design_v22_web.pdf Some helpful tips: Try to have a sleep routine. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. An hour before bed, stop using screens (TV, phone etc). Do something relaxing - perhaps listen to music or have a bath. Limit or cut out the use of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and spicy food Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Listen to our Relaxation recording before bed https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/903/uncategorized/relaxation-for-people-with-cancer-their-families-and-carers/ Physical activity during the day (not 2-3 hours before bed) will help improve sleep. Call 131120 to find out about exercise programs you could participate in, or have a look at the Exercise for People Living with Cancer publication https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/UC-Pub-CAN4152-Exercise-01-52pp.pdf   Has something else worked well for you? Feel free to share any tips or resources!   ... View more

Good nutrition can help people diagnosed with cancer by giving you more energy, boosting your mood, help manage your body's response to treatment and improve your immune system helping to fight infections.   We follow the recommendations from the Australian Dietary Guidelines. which includes the advice to eat from the 5 food groups every day. (see the diagram)   Why not use your extra time at home to check out the Healthy Lunchbox website (it's not just for school kids!) It's got some great easy recipes that are delicious and nutritious!    For further advice around Nutrition, refer to the Nutrition and Cancer publication or call 131120   ... View more