Parkes and Forbes residents are encouraged to sign up for a free Living Well After Cancer session this June. Cancer Council NSW Western is inviting Forbes, Parkes and surrounding community residents who have completed cancer treatment to attend their free, face-to-face Living Well After Cancer program.
Cancer and its treatment can bring a host of challenges. Survivors can face changes in their appearance and body function, and struggle to manage the emotional impact of the disease. Over 45,000 people in NSW are predicted to be diagnosed with cancer this year. The latest data shows that around two in three people diagnosed with cancer in NSW are alive five years later, with many becoming long term survivors. Fiona Marwick, Community Programme Co-ordinator at Cancer Council NSW Western said that Living Well After Cancer offers practical information and open discussion on the possible changes, challenges and opportunities that cancer survivors can experience. “There is often an expectation for cancer survivors to ‘get back to normal’ after treatment, but we know that for many this is far from reality. Living Well After Cancer gives participants the opportunity to connect with others on a similar journey, all within a supportive space. They can share tips, ideas and advice on managing life moving forward, with the aim to thrive, not just survive” she said.
Through Living Well After Cancer you can learn practical skills and information from the presenters and participants. It can be reassuring to know other people may be experiencing similar side effects, fears and anxieties but also gaining positivity from their cancer journey. Living Well After Cancer is open to cancer survivors, their carers, family, friends and work colleagues and is delivered by trained facilitators who have experienced the changes of cancer first-hand. The next Living Well After Cancer program session will be held at Parkes on Saturday 18th June 2016. To register to participate, or for more information call 1300 200 558.