Exercise Beyond Cancer NI
Hey Everyone, Lee here.
I am absolutely delighted to be one of the directors of Exercise Beyond Cancer NI. Read below to check out more information about why EBC-NI was set up.
EBC-NI, Exercise Beyond Cancer started working with men and women who had a cancer diagnosis just before the start of the covid pandemic. When in person classes ceased, Pilates and strength and conditioning classes continued on zoom. Led by Keith Bennett (PTI) and Gwyneth Hinds, cancer exercise specialists, these regular sessions are a lifeline to many, especially those who were extremely clinically vulnerable.
It is well established that exercise has many benefits for cancer survivors. It will help reduce the side effects of treatment including fatigue and joint pains as well as improving mental health and general well-being. There is increasing evidence that regular exercise during and after cancer treatment will improve survival for many of the common cancers. With a healthy lifestyle that includes moving more, eating good food and maintaining a healthy weight, cancer survivors can live life well beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Several cancer charities provide 12 week programmes of exercise classes but both the treatment and impact of cancer continue for months and years. Many women are now prescribed hormone treatment for 10 years after their diagnosis and can experience fatigue, joint pains, hot flushes and increased risk of osteoporosis. For men with prostate cancer, disease can be managed with anti-androgen treatment for many years but this is associated with fatigue, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and bone density.
EBC-NI was set up to provide ongoing classes in response to those who had benefited for shorter programmes but wanted to continue with regular exercise and Pilates classes with instructors who understood the challenges of cancer.
