ver 20,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year - an average of 55 people every day.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Your post-treatment recovery

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women. Over 20,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year – an average of 55 people every day. (Source: Breast Cancer Network Australia.) It’s important to remember that most people survive breast cancer. The latest statistics show that the five-year relative survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011-2015 was 90.8 per cent. And many people live long and healthy lives well beyond this period. It can be a challenge during breast cancer treatment, and indeed after, to find the energy, motivation and willpower to keep up with regular physical activity. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis can take a great toll, both physically and mentally. Healthfix is fortunate to have been able to help many such clients in the past, and has found the following to be an effective way to slowly rebuild much depleted strength reserves.  

Establish a routine post breast cancer treatment.

It’s important to re-establish a regular exercise regimen, however different from your fitness routine pre-treatment. Scheduled exercise helps keep you motivated and on track.  

Keep it safe and fun.

Make sure you exercise at a level that’s safe for you. Going too hard too early can completely derail your efforts, physically and mentally. Keeping exercise fun and effective means keeping it within your ability. There’s no need to rush.  

Train with a workout buddy

Support is important. Having someone right alongside you on your journey to renewed health and fitness is immeasurable. They can keep that vision of life after treatment in focus – even when it’s hard for you to see it. Women aged between 50 and 74 are invited to access free screening mammograms every two years via the BreastScreen Australia Program, but women aged 40-49 and 75 and over are also eligible. It is recommended that women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, aged between 40 and 49 or over 75 discuss options with their GP, or contact BreastScreen Australia on 13 20 50. If you have recently had a cancer diagnosis, or are undergoing treatment or in remission, we can help with your health and fitness needs. Give us a call.