For many families in Australia, a cancer diagnosis is an unexpected reality that is oftentimes filled with uncertainty, isolation, and disempowerment.

Despite one in four Australians being diagnosed with cancer every four minutes, every individual’s experience with cancer is unique. But it doesn’t mean that those living with diagnosis should do it alone. 

A recent study found that increased exposure to social support was significantly associated with higher survival rates. Supporting studies suggesting that perceived social support also improves how well cancer survivors psychologically adjust after treatment.

Despite these findings, we observed limited opportunities for those living with cancer to connect and support each other in their journey.

In 2016, Y Queensland embarked on a mission to change that.

Our YMCA Cancer Survivor Program

Since its inception in 1864, Y Queensland has been dedicated to creating happy, healthy, and connected communities across the state. So, when it became clear that Queenslanders living with cancer needed more support, it was an easy decision to play our part.  

The YMCA Cancer Survivor program is a free 12-week program that engages anyone living with, or beyond cancer to engage in physical activity. It invites a warm, hopeful, and diverse community of cancer survivors and trained professionals to support each other through their difficult circumstances.  

Lived experiences and studies have shown that cancer not only affects the physical condition of a person but also touches their mental, emotional, social, and spiritual spheres of life.  

Everyone knows, or has known, a friend or family member impacted by a cancer diagnosis, and the complexities that come with it. In developing an enriching program, we wanted to help those impacted and provide a safe, inclusive environment to focus on their health and connect with community.  

Our program sprung from the very heart of what we do, every day—and extending our existing services to develop a tailored program for those battling this disease means we can give our help where it’s needed most.   

Let’s get physical

The exercise component of the program is primarily focussed on helping participants reclaim their sense of wellness and achievement. The physical activity that our cancer survivors engage aims to:

• Increase physical function
• Improve quality of life
• Mitigate side effects of cancer treatment
• Reduce the risk of other lifestyle related diseases

We believe by taking this holistic approach to movement, our program can help restore individuals to their fullest potential.  

From the initial stages of the program’s development, Y Queensland has closely worked with exercise professionals and researchers from the University of Queensland to inform the structure of the program and ensure safe and appropriate exercises are presented to our participants.  

In 2016, the University of Queensland studied one of the first cohorts of the 12-week program—made up of 30 patients living with cancer—and found that the program improved health outcomes. Findings from the study showed that the functional capacity of patients significantly improved, and body weight was maintained. It also found that the program improved participants balance and reduced their sedentary behaviour.

As the first Queensland program of its kind delivered in a gym setting at no cost, the Cancer Survivor program will not only continue to grow but it will continue to advance the way in which communities can support those with cancer.  

More than movement

While exercise is a key component to helping our members recover, our program goes far beyond the physical. We aim to provide a nurturing hub for those living with cancer to find support, understanding, belonging, and hope.

Throughout the span of this program, we have heard heart-warming stories from team members who have seen first-hand how the program has brought comradery amongst those who have previously felt isolated by the cancer diagnosis.

Fitness Manager at Y Queensland, and an accredited exercise scientist and wellness coach, Bree Halloran said “The biggest thing is bringing together people who have been through similar situations. They can talk about their situation when they’ve potentially never had someone to talk about it with.”

The program is designed to help to grow tight-knit communities that can support each other, where classes have an average size of approximately 12 people.

One of the most committed participants of our program is Rob. Diagnosed with CNS lymphoma, Rob was visiting hospital when he saw a poster inviting him to the program.  

“It was transformational for me,” Rob shared, “All of a sudden I was with people who were just like me.”

It’s been rewarding not only for our Fitness Managers but our broader network to observe how participants who have been thrust into a situation as sudden and difficult as a cancer diagnosis, have been spurred onto persevere through meaningful connections.

It takes leaders to build a community

Since its inception, we have had over 794 participants join our program. A significant driving force behind this success is the hard work of our Fitness Managers, who not only provide professional help but are strong pillars of support for participants.

“Bree has been an angel in disguise for us,” said Shelley, one of the wonderful participants of our cancer survivor program, “she’s the right person for the job.”  

When it comes to helping our cancer survivors’ program, our Fitness Managers intimately understand the unique perspective and needs of participants.  

“People don’t want to be in hospitals once they’re finished with treatment. Bringing them to a community, like a gym, is taking the next step,” Bree shared.   

“Usually, we run one program at a time, but if we could run multiple programs at the same time, we could help more people.”

Fitness Managers like Bree look after our members and our fitness centres—their goal is to serve their community and ensure that all members are welcomed into our inspiring and diverse space at The Y.  

Ultimately, they are a major part of why this program has grown such a positive legacy amongst locals, and we hope alongside with Bree that many more people take on rewarding challenges and joys of being a Fitness Manager for their local Fitness Centre.

If you have received a cancer diagnosis, we want you to know that you are not alone. This journey, though difficult and unstable, can be helped with friends and support along the way.

If you would like to be a part of a welcoming community and ease into regular movement, please consider joining our Cancer Survivor program. Members across Queensland have found much support, hope and joy in joining these community groups, and we hope that these benefits can be extended to you.