Bowel cancer funding raises awareness
May 22, 2012
Survivors reminded: Keep fit ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Week (3-9 June)
The Federal Government’s commitment of almost $50 million for increased bowel cancer screening serves as a reminder to those who have battled the disease to keep up their exercise levels post-treatment.
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Executive Officer, Anita Hobson-Powell, says bowel cancer is a force to be reckoned with giving patients a five-year survival rate of just over 60% including all stages of the cancer at diagnosis.
“Bowel or colon cancer is the second largest cause of cancer deaths in Australia with 1 in 12 Australians being diagnosed by the age of 85 and more than 42,000 Australians being diagnosed in the past five years,” said Ms Hobson-Powell.
“We’re heading towards Bowel Cancer Awareness Week from June 3-9 and encourage those who have won the battle to follow the recommended guidelines of accumulating at least 30 minutes of daily exercise at least three days a week to see the benefits of post-treatment exercise.”
“Only a limited number of studies have specifically investigated the value of exercise for survivors of colon cancer, however, on the basis of the data from these studies, data from other cancer populations and anecdotal evidence, it is agreed that regular exercise is of great benefit.”
ESSA recommends the following guidelines:
– Aerobic and supervised resistance (weights) training are safe and beneficial. If you have had a colostomy, avoid increasing pressure in your abdomen, because of the risk of herniation.
– Low to moderate-intensity exercise is recommended. It is best if you start a program at low to moderate intensity and progress gradually. If your routine lapses, lower your exercise intensity again when restarting.
– Accumulating at least 30 minutes of daily exercise on at least three days each week can lead to benefits. Depending on your fitness level, you may need multiple short sessions to accumulate your 30 minutes of daily exercise. Build up to, and then maintain, at least 30 minutes of exercise on five days each week. An accredited exercise physiologist can help you to develop a safe exercise program and overcome any barriers to exercise.
For more information please visit the fact sheet on the ESSA website.
To find an accredited exercise physiologist visit the ESSA website: www.essa.org.au
Ends.
ABOUT ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. It supports its over 3,500 members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au
Official Media Spokesperson for this release:
Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
102 Locked Bag, Albion DC, QLD 4010
Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
Tel: 07 3356 3451
M: 0400 519 800
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