Take Action for People Living With Cancer | Guest Post

19 May 2021 — david-allen

Developing your professional skill set is common in any area of work. But for those in the fitness industry, the development of skills to help those living with cancer is rewarding in a multitude of ways. We spoke to to Laura Porro from Equilibrium Studio about how becoming a Cancer Exercise Specialist can change your life as well as those dealing with the effects of cancer.

“This article starts with some information that may sadden and worry you, and perhaps even anger you. But it also gives you an idea for a practical action you can take to make a positive difference to all people living with cancer in the UK.

There were 367,167 new cancer diagnoses in the UK between 2015 and 2017. Although cancer survival has overall doubled in the UK over the last 40 years, variations remain and mortality rates for some cancers (e.g. liver) are on the rise. And forecasts show that the number of people getting cancer is likely to increase, with over 500,000 cases projected in 2035.

In the last year, people living with cancer have faced additional challenges, due to the pandemic, which has led to:

• Delays in diagnosis.
• Delays in treatment.
• Less access to additional support provided by the voluntary and community sector.

Data analysis shows the extent to which COVID-19 has negatively impacted people living with cancer and will continue doing so:

• The breast screening programme is unlikely to recover fully until March 2022. 
• Compared to the previous year, significantly fewer first treatments were recorded (comparing year-on-year activity). 
• People are waiting much longer than usual on cancer diagnostic pathways. 

In the face of all this, you might think: ‘What can I do about it?’

The answer is: you can become a Cancer Exercise Specialist. In a previous blog, you read about the importance of exercising and in light of the most recent data, it is clear that:

• People living with cancer need more support. Existing services are overwhelmed and will remain so for some time. But people with cancer cannot wait, they need help now.
• Exercise is essential to improve the quality of life of people with cancer: safe and appropriate exercise reduces the side effects of medication, rebalances the body after surgery and boosts energy levels.
• More and more people will be diagnosed with cancer: exercise plays a key positive role in the 38% of cancers which are shown to be preventable.

If you are a fitness professional (personal trainer, physiotherapist, Pilates teacher, Yoga teacher, etc.), becoming a Cancer Exercise Specialist will enable you to develop personalised safe and effective programmes for people living with cancer, which make a positive difference to their health and wellbeing. It will also open the door to a new group of clients and thus expand your business.

Do you think this is for you or someone you know? Do you just want to find out more? Click here or send your questions here.

If you are a person living with cancer and would like to speak to an exercise specialist, take a look here.”

1. Cancer Statistics for the UK.
2. Cancer incidence and mortality projections in the UK until 2035