Exercise programme helps patients cope with cancer

A woman diagnosed with breast cancer said she was able to look forward to Christmas with her family thanks to an exercise programme offered by a support charity.

Kathryn Houghton, of Newark, suffered severe side-effects while undergoing treatment, including several heart failures, and could not even climb the stairs before joining the Macmillan Cancer Support CARE programme.

The project, a collaboration with Notts County FC Football In The Community, has seen levels of fatigue among cancer patients fall by 56% thanks to exercise sessions.

Before she was referred to the programme, Kathryn, 51, had to rely on her husband to cook and care for her.

She said: “When I started CARE in 2016 I had just been through eight months of what was to become a two-year intensive treatment programme, followed by eight years continuation with drugs.

“I felt I had lost my identity and purpose and my body felt unfit and old before my time.

“I also felt lonely as I had spent many months just ill at home.

“I needed something I could focus on and goals to set myself with a timetable that got me back into the world.

“I also needed to get much fitter after chemo, to face two more major surgeries and the Herceptin drug regime.

“It was important for me to lose the excess fat round my middle as this can produce the hormones that encourage the cancer to grow.”

'It is so much fun'

Kathryn heard about the Macmillan CARE programme through her support group and was referred by her breast care nurse.

“I had not been a fan of sports at school so was worried it would be like a gym lesson, but need not have done as it is so much fun.

“The instructors make you feel safe in how far you can push yourself and understand the tears and frustration if you can’t manage something you could do easily before cancer.

“All my consultants comment on how well I look and how my muscles and toning have come back.

“After each surgery and heart failure due to Herceptin I have regained confidence in exercising and feel the benefits every day.”

“Last Christmas was really miserable. I was recovering from an operation and having problems with the Herceptin.

“This year I feel back in control.”

'Amazing to see the transformation in self-esteem'

The CARE programme helps people who have had cancer, are living with cancer or are undergoing treatment for the disease.

Physical activity helps prevent and manage many short-term and long-term consequences of treatment, such as fatigue, depression, muscle-wasting and heart damage.

Keeping active also reduces the risk of developing other conditions, such as diabetes, and can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

The CARE programme aims to provide a tailored activity programme that includes one-to-one and group activities such as badminton, circuits and swimming.

More than 270 people have signed up since its launch in January 2015.

The programme is part of the Macmillan Cancer Partnership in Nottinghamshire, which brings together health and social care organisations to improve cancer services and support the growing number of people surviving and living longer with cancer.

Stephen List, the programme co-ordinator at Notts County FC Football In The Community, said: “This project is having a positive impact on the lives of people affected by cancer in Nottinghamshire.

“It is amazing to see the transformation in fitness, strength and self-esteem.

“As well as a significant decrease in levels of fatigue, participants also said the programme boosted their confidence, not only in exercising but also in everyday life.”

More information about the programme is available from Stephen List on 07534 135670 or by emailing sl@nottscountyfitc.org.uk

A self-referral form is at www.nottscountyfitc.org.yk/care where people can also find out more.