The Challenges Faced By Cancer Survivors

Feeling On Your Own After Cancer

Some cancer survivors describe feeling a sense of abandonment, and feel "left hung out to dry"

Although there is a lot of cancer information out there, it is sometimes difficult for cancer patients after treatment to feel supported with the tailored information and care that they need. The way some cancer survivors have described it to us is that they feel a sense of abandonment, or feel "left hung out to dry". But with regular care from a cancer rehabilitation professional, these feelings can gradually be overcome and survivors can get back to their regular routines.

Dis-Ease Means Unease With a Disruption to Self

Some cancer patients indicate feeling a lack of ease with themselves and their physical fragility that no-one is addressing or helping them get through. This unease really speaks to a need for integrated cancer rehabilitation services to help patients:

• recover their identity
• learn how to manage and adapt to any permanent impairments
• have a regular exercise schedule that has been tailored for them and will help to overcome the sense of constant fatigue
• receive specialized physiotherapy to address movement restrictions, swelling and cancer related pain
• when necessary, have counseling to overcome the sense of being deflated, dejected and even jaded after surgery

Acquiring a New Meaning for Physical Activity

When exercise means lowering the chances of cancer ever coming back, it takes on a new meaning. As one patient puts it, "keeping her blood oxygenated" through everyday exercise is the best way to keep the cancer away. For her, exercise has become a tool for a second chance and the gateway for her to get back to living her life. Building up muscle mass that has deteriorated is another often challenging aspect of post-cancer physical activity, but the benefits of exercise for cancer management are numerous and encouraging!

Cancer Rehabilitation is Available In Canada at 62 Different Locations

We offer a means for cancer patients to overcome many of the challenges and impairments that have resulted from cancer and its treatment. These side effects are most effectively overcome with an individualized treatment plan designed by a Cancer Rehabilitation professional.

Please contact one of our Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Ontario

Nova Scotia

Other Helpful Links for Cancer Rehabilitation

Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada

Canadian Cancer Society

Livestrong Foundation

ELLICSR Kitchen - UHN Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation

Canadian Partnership Against Cancer

Cancer Rehab and Return to Work

More People Surviving Cancer Due to Improved Treatments

Although returning to work after cancer can be challenging, rehab can play a valuable role

Returning to work following a cancer diagnosis is more viable than it ever has been before. More people are surviving cancer due to improved treatments, better diagnostics and the fact that many are being diagnosed at a younger age. Although returning to work can sometimes be a challenge, rehabilitation can play a valuable role in achieving this important step in the transition from illness to wellness. The success and durability of their return to work depends on many factors which we are only now beginning to recognize.

Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation is Effective in the Return to Work Process

Research shows that the majority of people who are diagnosed with cancer want to return to work however many struggle to do so and end up having to leave or change jobs, if they manage to return at all. So how are we best able to support and encourage this return to work process?  A Cochrane review article, including 18 research studies and 1652 participants studied the effectiveness of interventions aimed at enhancing return to work in cancer patients. They concluded that there is moderate quality evidence to suggest that multidisciplinary interventions involving physical, psychological and vocational components led to higher return to work rates. Multidisciplinary rehab should always be considered over the “wait and see” approach.
(de Boer A, Taskila T., Frings-Dresen M, Feurstein M., Verbeek, J: Interventions to enhance return-to-work for cancer patients: A Cochrane Review. Proceeding of the First Scientific Conference on Work Disability Prevention and Integration.  2010)

Rehabilitation Not Routinely Offered

The current research recommends rehabilitation to address and treat the cancer related and cancer treatment related “side effects” for improved functional outcomes. However it is clear that although rehabilitation services are needed they are not usually received by cancer survivors. Only 19% of breast cancer patients reported having received any physical, psychological or educational rehabilitation service. The medical profession continues to be disease centered and there continues to be a lack of consideration of the possible rehabilitation services, which in turn negatively impacts successful return to work. In many cases the health disability insurance companies are left to encourage and fund this important step in the recovery process.
(Silver Jk, Gilchrist LS: Cancer Rehabilitation with a focus on evidence-based outpatient Physical and Occupational Therapy Interventions. Am.J. Phys.Med. Rehabil. Vol 90, No 5 (Suppl), May 2011)

Cancer Rehabilitation is Cost Effective

A recent large government funded review in the UK found that structured vocational interventions can be both beneficial to individuals and cost effective. They claim that if a cancer patient is supported back into work the cost of the intervention pays for itself within the first 12 weeks that they otherwise would not have worked. This study demonstrates “that personalised and timely vocational rehabilitation interventions do result in better work and health outcomes for people with cancer and can be cost effective.” Assisting people with cancer back to work has a positive economic impact for everyone involved.
(Macmillan (2013) Making the Shift: Providing specialist work support to people with cancer. London. Macmillan Cancer Support)

Early Results from Rehab Professionals Working With Cancer Patients Are Positive

In 2013 LifeMark/Centric Health embarked upon a strategy to train our clinicians, to improve our Cancer Rehab services and to begin to meet the rehabilitation needs of the almost one million cancer survivors living in Canada today. We wanted to ensure that our rehabilitation professionals were prepared with the latest evidence based information on Cancer Rehabilitation.

Moving beyond the research and into clinical care in our clinics, we are beginning to see the evidence borne out in our own clinical results.  The early results from our Cancer Rehabilitation services are beginning to show the positive impact on our patient’s lives.

• 100% of patients attained their return to activities of daily living goals;
• 90% of patients attained their symptom improvements goals; and
• 74% of patients attained their return to work goals

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

British Columbia

Alberta
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Side Effects of Cancer Treatment Affects Pelvic and Sexual Health

Treatments for Gynecologic Cancers Can Affect Sexual Function and Responses to Intimacy

Side effects of gynecologic cancer and its treatment can affect sexual identity and sexual health

While many of the side effects of cancer and its treatment cannot be seen, they can still have a detrimental effect on cancer patients' sense of well-being and quality of life. One of these is the side effects that cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy have on pelvic and sexual health.

According to the University Health Network, the changes experienced from treatments for gynecologic cancers can affect patients' sexuality in different ways, both directly and indirectly. It often involves a lot of creativity, communication and patience to copy with them while dealing with cancer and still maintain a sexual identity and sexual health.

Vaginal Stenosis, Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness and Urinary Incontinence Can Result from Gynecologic Cancer and Its Treatment

Some of the ways that cancer and its treatments can impact healthy pelvic and sexual function are:

• Radiation to the pelvis can cause vaginal dryness and stenosis (narrowing and shortening of the vagina) that can lead to pain with penetration or intercourse ("dyspareunia") or even pelvic exams that are so important for cancer reoccurence monitoring
• Pelvic radiation and chemotherapy can lead to pelvic floor muscle wasting and weakness which can lead to urinary/fecal incontinence and even pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Can Help Restore Sexual Function and Pelvic Health After Cancer

At Cancer Rehab Canada, a trained pelvic health physiotherapist can be an invaluable resource to help cancer patients overcome the side effects that cancer treatment may have on their sexual and pelvic health. According to Liane McCabe, Physiotherapist at the LifeMark Bathurst Clinic, pelvic floor rehabilitation includes:

• Teaching patients how to locate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles to improve bowel/bladder control or pelvic organ prolapse
• Teaching patients how to relax and stretch tight pelvic floor muscles to make sexual intercourse and pelvic examinations less painful
• Educating patients on techniques to improve the health of their vaginal tissues

For more resources on cancer and sexual and pelvic health please visit:
Canadian Cancer Society – Sexuality and Cancer
University Health Network Gynecologic Cancers
Ovarian Cancer Canada
Foundation for Women’s Cancer

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Cancer Rehabilitation: An Update and Discussion on Future Care

Workshop by Dr. Julie Silver at American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine

Nicole Stout and Dr. Julie Silver at the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine in Toronto Oct 8, 2014

Today at the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, I was fortunate to have attended a workshop with Dr. Julie Silver, co-founder of Oncology Rehab Partners, an associate professor at Harvard and a breast cancer survivor. I have been reading her cancer rehab research over the past couple years and it was a thrill to hear her speak.

Her message to the medical professionals (oncologists, physiotherapists, physiatrists, nurses) in the room was simple. Cancer cases are expected to surge by 57% worldwide in the next 20 years. People are surviving cancer like never before, but many are living with impairments. Cancer rehabilitation should be provided to address these impairments and yet their needs are consistently not being met leading to disability that could have been prevented.

Nicole Stout Spoke on the Value of Cancer Rehabilitation to Policy Makers and Clinicians

The second speaker of the day, was Nicole Stout, a physical therapist and clinical researcher for the National Institute of Health. She is best known for the Prospective Surveillance Model for Breast Cancer patients. Once again I was awed to be in her presence as she has done so much to elevate the profession of physical therapy with her cancer rehab research and her involvement with policy development on many levels. She feels that the value of Cancer Rehabilitation is finally being appreciated by policy makers and clinicians across the USA, but we are still having difficulty operationalizing its delivery.

Highlights of the 2013 Institute of Medicine Report "Delivering High Quality Cancer Care" 

The 2013 Institute of Medicine report on “Delivering High Quality Cancer Care” concluded that we need to re-examine how we can work together to improve the quality of life and outcomes for people facing a cancer diagnosis. In Canada, it seems that Cancer Rehabilitation is often considered optional and it is time that we include it as part of our standard of care for all cancer patients. This would involve a shared model of care, where the every patient is screened for impairments along their continuum of care and the appropriate rehab intervention is provided in an effort to avoid chronic disability and instead return them to happy and productive lives.


Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Can Assist with Prostate Cancer & Treatment Side Effects

By Laura Ritchie, MPT, MCISc (Manip), FCAMPT Registered Physiotherapist,  Centric Health Physiotherapy and Wellness, London, Ontario

Prostate Cancer and its Treatment Discussed in Webinar by Dr. Bobby Shayegan

On October 3, 2014 I listened to an interesting webinar on prostate cancer and its treatment, presented by Dr. Bobby Shayegan and hosted by the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network.

Dr. Shayegan is currently an associate professor in the department of surgery at McMaster University.  He received his MD and completed his urology residency from the University of Toronto.  He subsequently pursued a fellowship in urologic oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

After the webinar I asked Dr. Shayegan a question about the potential side effects of treatment for this type of cancer. He reported that stress incontinence is a common short-term concern following surgery, while urgency incontinence and bleeding are more likely following radiation therapy.

Dr. Shayegan added that sexual dysfunction can occur with both types of treatment and that with radiation in particular, at least half of patients develop erectile dysfunction over time (but not necessarily right away).

How Physiotherapists with Specialized Training in Cancer Rehabilitation Can Help with Prostate Cancer Side Effects

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can assist with both urological and sexual dysfunction.

Dr. Shayegan also reported bones can become thinner and weaker as a result of treatment and that weight-bearing is recommended to counter this. Physiotherapists with specialized training in Cancer Rehabilitation can prescribe a safe and effective exercise program for this purpose.

The webinar is still available for viewing on the CCSN website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

LifeMark-Centric Health Proud Sponsor of Calgary Run For The Cure

Calgary Team Assembles for CIBC Run For the Cure

LifeMark-Centric Health has entered a team for the CIBC Run/Walk For the Cure for the past several years

For the past several years, LifeMark-Centric Health has entered a team for the CIBC Run/Walk For the Cure, and this year is no exception! Headed by Barb Morrison, the goal is to have 50 walkers and runners participating on the LifeMark-Centric Health team. Anyone wishing to help build the team or donate can do so at the registration page.

LifeMark-Centric Health Massage Therapists and Physiotherapists Donate Their Time at the Run

Several LifeMark massage therapists and physiotherapists in Calgary will be volunteering their time at the Calgary Run For the Cure. They are offering free massage and physio treatments to participants and attendees who need to get the kinks out and sore muscles soothed.

LifeMark massage therapists and physiotherapists in Calgary volunteer their time at the event

New T-Shirts Accentuate Cancer Rehab's Focus on Your Care

The new t-shirts for Team LifeMark-Centric Health were designed by Barb Morrison, LifeMark Clinic Director

Barb has designed special Cancer Rehab t-shirts for the event which will be worn proudly by the LifeMark-Centric staff.

LifeMark-Centric Health Booth Informs Calgary Run For the Cure Participants of the Benefits of Physiotherapy

Calgary LifeMark staff put the finishing touches on the Calgary Run For the Cure booth

The LifeMark-Centric Health booth has a wealth of information describing how physiotherapy can help you. Along with cancer rehabilitation, other techniques address pain management, dizziness, orthotics and bracing, post-surgical rehabilitation and sports injuries.

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How to Get Cancer Rehabilitation

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Alberta
British Columbia
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

Managing Side Effects of Ovarian Cancer Treatment with Cancer Rehab

Cancer rehabilitation can help manage the side effects of ovarian cancer treatment

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

For ovarian cancer patients, cancer rehabilitation can help manage the pelvic pain, urinary incontinence and vaginal stenosis often experienced after cancer treatment. Specially trained pelvic health physiotherapists who have received additional training typically perform an internal examination of the musculature of the pelvic floor. This examination will determine whether there are areas of scar adherence or weak musculature that can be addressed through rehab techniques. Internal treatment techniques for the pelvic floor muscles as well as connective tissues and nerves can address these pelvic floor disorders. A good resource to find out more about pelvic floor rehabilitation is Pelvic Health Solutions.

Follow-up after treatment of ovarian cancer often involves physical exams and blood tests for tumor markers that help identify whether the cancer will come back. But when discussion with your doctor includes what you can do about other side effects of ovarian cancer treatment, that's where cancer rehabilitation can also help.

Exercise prescriptions provided by cancer rehab professionals can go a long way in reducing the pain and fatigue often experienced by ovarian cancer patients. Pain and parathesia are also managed by acupuncture and TENS - both good ways to manage symptoms with reduced medication.

Cognitive Behavioural Techniques Help Overcome Hormonal Changes, Anxiety and Depression

Hormonal changes, anxiety and depression are other effects sometimes experienced by ovarian cancer patients after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cognitive behavioural techniques used by occupational therapists are often helpful in overcoming these issues and can provide you with the emotional strength to return to living a full life again. In addition, acupuncture, exercise, and massage therapy all help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Knowledge of Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms Needed

Ovarian Canada states that when it comes to ovarian cancer, knowledge is power. Ovarian cancer is diagnosed annually in nearly a quarter of a million women globally, and in Canada there are 17,000 women living with this disease. Since it is very difficult to detect ovarian cancer and there is no early detection test for it, the national organization has a goal of spreading awareness of the signs and symptoms to help detect it.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Ontario
British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Nova Scotia

Recommendations for Men's Cancer Awareness Signal Need for Cancer Rehab Services

Cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health physiotherapy can help overcome the side effects of cancer treatment

Recommendations for Men's Cancer Health Awareness

Prostate Cancer Canada's recommendations urge men to have baseline PSA testing in their 40s rather than waiting until they are in their 50s. Risk factors include diet, age, race, lifestyle and family history. There are a number of nationwide events being held to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

The Role of Cancer Rehab in Prostate Cancer Treatment

Cancer rehab and physiotherapy can help prostate cancer patients manage the side effects of prostate cancer treatment. With approximately 25% of all new cancer cases diagnosed in Canada being for prostate cancer and an estimated 23,600 Canadian men diagnosed with the disease in 2013, there is a growing need for rehabilitation services for prostate cancer patients.

Exercise prescriptions are also an integral part of cancer rehabilitation. A study lead by the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California reported that exercise and diet can actually reduce prostate cancer risk, in addition to helping prostate cancer patients with pain and fatigue.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Helps Prostate Cancer Patients

Prostate cancer can be treated by radiation, chemotherapy, hormone suppression therapy, and surgery to remove the prostate, among other therapies.  There are a number of issues following treatment that can be alleviated through cancer rehabilitation. Pelvic Health therapists have received additional training in pelvic floor rehabilitation to treat pelvic floor dysfunction such as:

• Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence
• Bowel dysfunction including chronic constipation
• Sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction
• Pre and post-operative prostate surgery
• Chronic pelvic pain

Cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health physiotherapy  are relatively new and emerging areas of specialty for physiotherapists in Canada. They have a great deal to offer in terms of drug free alternatives to overcoming the side effects of cancer treatment. Many people, including physicians, are not yet aware of the many rehabilitation options that have been recently developed based on the latest scientific research. A specially trained physiotherapist may be able to help alleviate or improve your problems, allowing you to resume your previous lifestyle.

How to Get Cancer Rehabilitation

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Ontario
British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Nova Scotia

Join Us Online!

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Increased Physical Activity Improves Cancer Survival Rates

Are You a Cancer Survivor With N.E.D.?

Cancer survivors can improve their chances of remaining NED through regular exercise

We live in a world of acronyms that are only meaningful to people "in the know". I have worked my whole life with PTs, OTs and RMTs who do things like measure ROM, use the IFC and put people through FCEs. What may seem strange to those outside my physiotherapy world is all very clear to me.

The Importance of the Acronym N.E.D.

One acronym that really sticks in my mind these days though, is N.E.D.! This has a special meaning to me, along with thousands of other cancer survivors. It means No Evidence of Disease. These are the best three letters you can hope to see written at the bottom of your doctor's chart. Nothing makes me happier than hearing that the follow-up test results have shown N.E.D.!

Increased Physical Activity Improves Survival Rates

But the question remains how cancer survivors can improve their chances of remaining N.E.D. One of the best ways is engaging in regular exercise.

A systemic review completed in 2010 by Barbaric et al, looked at the Effects of Physical Activity on Cancer Survival. They concluded after reviewing hundreds of scientific research articles that there is growing evidence demonstrating that increased physical activity improves survival rates in patients with breast or colorectal cancers. The recommended amount required to make a difference is a mere 3 hours of moderately paced walking per week. More recently, there is evidence supporting exercise with other types of cancers including lung and prostate. Surely regular daily exercise is possible for most cancer survivors and should be strongly encouraged by the medical community.

I believe it is time to challenge the meaning of N.E.D.! From now on... let us all remember that it really should mean NEED EXERCISE DAILY!

How to Get Cancer Rehabilitation

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Ontario
British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Nova Scotia

Cancer Rehab Canada Celebrates First Birthday

Cancer Rehab Canada celebrates its first birthday in July 2014!

Helping Cancer Survivors to Feel Better, Stronger and Happier

On July 15, 2013 Cancer Rehab started blogging about ways that cancer survivors can feel better, stronger and happier. Over 45 blog posts and a year later, we have found participation in the online conversation about how to minimize survivors' disabilities to be an extremely rewarding experience.

Cancer Rehabilitation Benefits Optimal Recovery

We are still asking why cancer patients aren't routinely offered cancer rehabilitation services to help them return to normal life.

 These services are regularly provided for recovering cardiac patients and patients who had joint replacement surgery. Yet those people who have had cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgeries such as mastectomy, are often not receiving cancer rehabilitation service despite the growing scientific evidence that it is very beneficial in obtaining optimal recovery. Our 62 rehab clinics can offer assistance in minimizing the side effects of cancer and its treatment.

Cancer Survivors Often Suffer From Disabilities Associated With Cancer Treatments

Cancer survivors often suffer from the side effects of their diagnosis and related treatment. Their functional impairments may include persistent fatigue, radiation fibrosis, chemotherapy fog, lymphedema, frozen shoulder and pain. Many of these conditions can be improved with interventions from a rehabilitation professional with specialized training, such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or massage therapist.

According to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, there is estimated to be 1 million cancer survivors in Canada today, with that number expected to increase to over 2 million by 2020. Physical disability is a leading cause of distress in this population. It is critical that this population be appropriately screened and treated for their impairments, so that we minimize their disabilities and maximize their quality of life.

Join Us Online!

We post regularly on Twitter - follow us!

We love engaging with your posts on Facebook - like our page!

We also post regularly on LinkedIn - follow us!

If you are on Google+, it would be great to engage with you on that channel too!

How to Get Cancer Rehabilitation

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Ontario
British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Nova Scotia

LifeMark-Centric Health Rallies Behind Clinic Co-Founder Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

"HatterStrong" is Fundraising for Respected Community Leader, Teacher and Coach

Mark Hatt,  is one of the co-founders of LifeMark Physiotherapy/Centric Health (formerly Physiotherapy Associates of Cambridge) located at two Cambridge locations: the YMCA and on Hespeler Road beside Grandview Medical Centre.  Mark has been diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer (he never smoked in his life).  He has been fighting harder than anything else that he has done to date. Mark is an extremely well loved and well respected Physical Education teacher and football coach at Jacob Hespeler Secondary School in Cambridge.

To support Mark, his wife and two young children, Steve Domms, also a teacher at Jacob Hespeler, created the "HatterStrong" t-shirt.  The community is rallying behind him to raise funding for his cancer treatment. These shirts are visible all over Cambridge and are stretching into other communities!

Centric Health Matching Donated Funds Dollar For Dollar

Because Mark is near and dear to our clinic professionally and in our personal lives, we are pleased to announce that Centric Health will match dollar for dollar any funds that we raise through our clinic. We will be selling t-shirts and taking donations in all three of our Cambridge clinics. If you would like to participate, make a donation, or need more information, please come and see us upstairs. We are located on the second floor at the back of the YMCA.


Thank you on behalf of all of us at LifeMark Physiotherapy/Centric Health.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Ontario
British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Nova Scotia

5 Tips to Keep Cancer Patients Active

Motivation to exercise is important when you can't exercise or feel too tired to exercise

Can't Exercise? Too Tired to Exercise?

The evidence supporting exercise for cancer patients is undeniable. However, sometimes we feel we can't exercise or are too tired to exercise. Although we know we need to be physically active, it is often very difficult to stick to it.

How to Stay Motivated to Exercise

As a physiotherapist and cancer survivor myself, I can certainly appreciate both sides. On those days when my "get up and go" has "got up and left", I put on my physiotherapy hat and recall some of the tips I have learned over the years that help me stay motivated and physically active. Here are a few things to consider:

• Exercise with a friend. If I have someone waiting to meet me at the gym I am far more likely to go, and my friend usually appreciates me encouraging them to be there too.
• Vary your exercise routine to avoid boredom. I like to try something different each day of the week, but also change it up with the seasons.
• Exercise outdoors whenever you can. It just feels healthier to me to be breathing fresh air and enjoying the scenery, regardless of whether it is 20 below or 20 above.
• Record your exercise achievements, so that you can track your progress. There are some cool apps for tracking walking and running progress now, that make this easy and fun.
• Identify barriers to exercise and work to overcome them. One example of this is using urban walking poles to give you confidence to walk further or on uneven terrain when your balance might be slightly impaired.

How Physiotherapists Can Help

Physiotherapists are trained to help individuals with a variety of disabilities overcome their barriers to being physically active. Physiotherapists have heard every excuse in the book as to why someone cannot exercise. In most cases, modifications can be made to create a safe and effective exercise program for just about anyone. It may definitely be worthwhile to consult a physiotherapist during or after your cancer treatment to develop a physical activity plan with achievable goals.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Ontario

Nova Scotia

Team LifeMark Centric Rides 217 Km Over Two Days for Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Team LifeMark Centric cyclists Corinne Roos and Judy Boivin at the 2014 Ride to Conquer Cancer event

Team LifeMark Centric Raises over $10K for Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer

On June 7-8 a small but mighty Team LifeMark Centric rode 217 kilometres in two days at the 2014 Enbridge® Ride to Conquer Cancer® in support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. 

Team LifeMark Centric raised $10,667 for the Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer.The LifeMark Centric team applauds the efforts of Cancer Centres such as Princess Margaret that continue to make a difference every day in the lives of cancer patients. Thanks to their dedication, more people are surviving cancer than ever before!  

2014 Enbridge® Ride to Conquer Cancer® Raises $20 Million

The epic cycling journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls involved 217 km of riding over two days and raised $20 million in total. The fundraiser took place in support of breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world.

Paul Boivin, Judy Boivin and Corinne Roos take part in the ride in support of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Special thanks go out to Corinne Roos for being such an awesome cyclist and making the team look good by finishing near the top each day in about 3.5 hours. Special thanks also to Paul Boivin for being our top fundraiser, and to Ashley Waerea who organized the LifeMark volunteers and spent the entire weekend helping out at rest stops.

Cancer Rehab Canada Program Sets a Goal of Improving Rehab Services for Cancer Survivors

Judy Boivin, founding member of Cancer Rehab Canada, at the end of the two-day cycling journey

Over the past year LifeMark Centric has taken up its own fight in the care of cancer patients, with a goal of improving the rehabilitation services provided to cancer survivors. Through our Cancer Rehab Canada program we are assisting individuals in their recovery from the side effects of cancer treatment at 45 locations across the country.

The LifeMark Centric cycling team rode to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients who continue to struggle to regain their lives and live up to their full potential. One day we hope to see a cure for cancer and ensure that the 1 million+ cancer survivors in Canada are active and empowered to be all that they can be.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan & Manitoba

Ontario

Nova Scotia

Halifax Hike for Hospice Participants Learn About Cancer Rehab Services

Annual Hospice and Palliative Care Hikes Take Place Across Canada, Rain or Shine

On Sunday May 4, the Hospice Society of Greater Halifax held their annual Hike for Hospice event

On Sunday, May 4, the Hospice Society of Greater Halifax held their annual Hike for Hospice, which is an annual event held by Hospice and Palliative Care groups across Canada. Members of Centric Health’s clinical team participated in the major Halifax fundraiser which raised over $12,000 this year.

Dionna Read Eng, a Registered Massage Therapist at Centric Health who specializes in myofascial release and sport massage, led a warm up and stretch routine in preparation for the hike.  She offered short massages and gave brochures to those interested in learning more about the Cancer Rehab program in Halifax.

Most participants were walking for a loved one who had passed or were in end of life stages of wellness. Although the weather was windy and cool, the event was a positive experience.

The Hospice Society of Greater Halifax in a non-profit organization, with the goal of building the first residential hospice in the Halifax region, anticipated to be built in 2016.

The hike route wove around Bedford Bay in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Click here for a larger map.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Nova Scotia
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario

LifeMark Atlantic Participates in Bust a Move for Breast Health™

LifeMark Halifax Clinic Helps at Community Celebration Fundraiser for Breast Health Centre

LifeMark's finest massage therapists were on hand at Bust a Move for Breast Health™ in Halifax

The fifth and final Bust a Move for Breast Health™ was held on March 22 at the Canada Games Centre in Halifax. Hundreds of participants, sponsors and volunteers gathered to celebrate the Breast Health Centre in aid of better breast health. Dancers, yoga practitioners, and aerobics exercisers were taught by some of Nova Scotia’s finest instructors. And on hand to revive their aching muscles were none other than LifeMark’s finest massage therapists, who donated their time in support of the event.

Bust a Move for Breast Health™ Ends on a High Note

According to the QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation, the Halifax community came together and raised $331,490 net for the Breast Health Centre in Halifax. In addition, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region, wowed the crowd by announcing a significant contribution of $250,000. That wonderful announcement, combined with the QEII Foundation and the IWK Health Centre Foundation each raising an additional $250,000 through generous community support, brought the 2014 breast health campaign to an amazing $1,081,490 net!

The Halifax community came together and raised $331,490 net for the Breast Health Centre in Halifax

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

Nova Scotia
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario

Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Management

Incorporating Exercise into Your Cancer Management Plan

Exercise is one of the most beneficial things that cancer patients can incorporate into their cancer management plan

Physical activity is important in all stages of cancer. Many cancer patients are reluctant to exercise for fear of ‘making things worse” when in fact it is one of the most beneficial things that they can do. The scientific evidence to support this is growing and every effort should be made to incorporate exercise as part of the accepted cancer management plan.

How Exercise Benefits Cancer Patients

During cancer treatment 

• Reduces pain and fatigue
• Prevents decline of physical function
• Manages stress and improves mental outlook

After cancer treatment

• Increase energy levels
• Assists in the recovery of physical function
• Improves quality of life

During and after cancer treatment

• Reduces the risk of cancer reoccurrence
• Reduces the risk of developing other long term complications

Advanced cancer

• Helps maintain independence and well being

How a Physiotherapist Trained in Cancer Rehabilitation Can Help

People living with cancer should be advised to gradually build up their physical activity to meet the recommended guidelines. A physiotherapist trained in cancer rehabilitation can assist them in preparing an exercise program that meets the energy expenditure amounts recommended in the research, in addition to making sure that they are safely adapting to meet any medical restrictions or physical impairments.

It is important that we continue to encourage, support and assist cancer survivors to initiate and maintain a lifestyle that regularly includes physical activity at all stages of their journey with cancer.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

British Columbia

Alberta
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
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Running Through Cancer and Beyond

Running Important to Physical and Mental Recovery After Cancer

Running is important to cancer recovery both physically and mentally

It’s been three years since my battle with cancer. I had always been a casual runner, venturing out for a 5 km jog a couple of times a week but lately I have been running a lot; enjoying the cooler temperatures and increasing ease in my stride. And I have my cancer diagnosis to thank for this transformation.

Running has been so important to my cancer recovery both physically and mentally allowing me to focus on getting better and cope with difficult times. My diagnosis of Stage Three Colon Cancer meant that I had to undergo surgery to remove a large portion of my colon and surrounding lymph nodes, followed by a six month course of chemotherapy. As any cancer patient understands, you end up feeling much worse after your treatment than you ever felt before. The side effects of therapy certainly left this 50 year old runner struggling to regain and maintain a confident stride through the daily demands as a health practitioner and mother of three active teenagers.  But it was because I felt so lousy and not in the drivers-seat for the first time in my life that I was relentless in my pursuit of recovery and a sense of well-being.

As a career physiotherapist I was well versed on the benefits of running to maintain a healthy lifestyle and more specifically well aware of the scientific research indicating the odds of surviving colon cancer are significantly increased with exercise such as running.  In fact exercise is now recommended during treatment as well as after, for colon and other types of cancers.  This knowledge gave me a means to participate in my own recovery and put me back in the driver’s seat, well at least shot-gun!

Practical Exercise Tips for Running While Battling Cancer

Running proved to be the best exercise for me while battling cancer.  Here are some practical exercise tips, that I learned along the way that may help others to stay active:

• Try a foam donut cut out over your port-a-cath (implant used for chemo) to minimize the irritation of your sports bra rubbing against it.  Camping foam, a couple cm thick works well & it can be easily taped in place, with first aid tape or just slipped under the bra strap.
• Don’t tie running shoes as tightly as you did before treatment; carefully adjust the tongue of the shoe to avoid constriction of the blood flow and minimize pressure on sensitive nerves. 
• Consider new shoes with more cushion support than you previously may have had, to protect the sensitivity of your feet if you are dealing with chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy.
• Consider wearing compression stockings if you have even mild swelling in your feet (a common condition if you have had lymph nodes removed).
• Use lemon or orange slices in your water bottle to minimize the metallic aftertaste of chemotherapy and encourage you to stay hydrated, which is most important during treatment.
• Get some new motivational music on your iPod. It is surprising the impact this can have on your mind and spirit – making the journey so much more tolerable.
• Run outside to avoid crowds and other sources of infection (like pools or gyms) when your white blood cell count is low. There is nothing like a little fresh air to clear the cobwebs of chemotherapy-related fogginess. 
• NEVER run to the point of complete exhaustion - be sensible in your energy expenditure. Always remind yourself not to ‘empty the gas tank’ and leave a little energy to deal with the rest of your day. 

Exercise is an Opportunity to do More Than Just Survive Cancer

Exercise gave me an opportunity to do more than just survive cancer; it helped me to begin living my life again and in many ways helped me to transform into a better human being.  My wish for cancer survivors and runners alike comes from the words of one of my favourite running songs, “May your paths be the sound of your feet upon the ground”. You never know where a run might take you or where life will lead you.

To find out more about Cancer Rehab Canada please see our website.

Please contact one of our 62 Cancer Rehab locations across Canada. Links will direct to a Cancer Rehab provider in your area.

British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan & Manitoba
Ontario
Nova Scotia

A Day at the Oncologists

By DebiLyn Smith www.debilynsmith.com Author of Running From Cancer: a tilted memoir. A breast cancer "treatment survivor" since May 2011, DebiLyn strives to reduce the 50% of life-style induced cancer patients. "You can run, but you can't hide," she says.

Not An Easy Job

"Oncologists & technicians see a steady stream of people battling cancer. It's not an easy job for any of us", says the writer.

It's almost like a work schedule. I have a little blue card with my name and number on it. Inside the card are written the dates and times I am to arrive for my next radiation treatment. They range from 8:48 am to 4:26 pm on Monday to Friday and some days there are two times as I have to see the Oncologist as well.

We have purchased a parking pass for the month for under $4. It seems like such a small lot for all of the people coming and going but everyone only stays for thirty minutes at a time so there always seems to be a spot to stuff the suburban. I have been given my own hospital gown and housecoat to take with me every day that I come. It’s up to me to wash and take care of it. I was wondering if they would mind me attaching some lace and rhinestones to it. It's dowdy enough to plummet even the cheeriest.

Once inside the cancer clinic, I head down radiation alley, passing stations named The Cabin, The Lake, The Park, arriving at The Hills with mere minutes to spare. I am to place my little blue card in a slot marked "drop off" on a desk that no-one is seated at. Someone will eventually notice that I have arrived by the card being in this slot. I get changed in the room across from my station, taking all my clothes with me into the waiting area. There's a jig saw puzzle on the table for anyone to work on, stacks of magazines, a water fountain and a heated blanket machine for you to help yourself to. Maybe I could crawl inside- it's -12C again today.

I'm cranky and not in the mood for the cold fingers of the radiation technicians as they pull my torso this way and push my butt that way to line up their co-ordinates. They mark on my skin with a felt pen each time I come. There is a green lighted line I can see mirrored in the head of the radiation machine that runs from beneath my armpit down along my body. Today there is a young man joining the usual two young women working on me. I make a face at having to bare myself yet again to another trainee and wonder at my childishness. It's just another old lady boob to him.

My arm is stretched over my head and now they all leave the room. The machine whirrs and beeps, then after a few minutes it moves to the other side of my body where it repeats the process of noises. In ten minutes the techs return and I am already out of position, redraping myself, and trying to get off the steel slat I've been lying on.

"See you tomorrow," I call out, like it’s a job. In many ways it feels like one, a very depressing job. Back in the change room I pull the recommended skin cream from my bag and slather the coolness across my warm breast. I know it will get warmer as the day goes on, so I want to be right on top of keeping everything chilled. I get dressed and walk to The Hills reception cubicle where my little blue card is now in the "pickup" slot.

And I'm done for the day. But the technicians have only started. I stop to wonder how they feel about all this? Having to see this never-ending stream of people battling cancer. Old ones, young ones. Ones that arrive in wheelchairs or jog in like I did yesterday.

I come to the conclusion it's not an easy job for any of us.

Breast MRI and Radiation Explained

By DebiLyn Smith www.debilynsmith.com Author of Running From Cancer: a tilted memoir. A breast cancer "treatment survivor" since May 2011, DebiLyn strives to reduce the 50% of life-style induced cancer patients. "You can run, but you can't hide," she says.

How the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine Feels to Us

"That MRI may very well have saved my life", says writer Debi-Lyn Smith

Many cancer patients have asked me to explain more about the breast MRI and the radiation treatment that I have been through. After numerous mammograms and follow-up ultra sounds on my very dense breasts, my doctor decided the next course of action would be a breast MRI. Once in the hospital, I was put into a hospital gown and housecoat and lead to a room where the Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine awaited.

I have had a brain MRI before and knew that I would be put on a steel table and slid into a long cylindrical "cigar tube" where the tests would begin with a series of long beep and boop sounds. The difference this time was that I was put face down on my chest with my breasts placed inside squares that had been cut out of the table. The problem with this is you are lying right on your diaphragm making it difficult to draw a full breath. Especially when you're not totally comfortable being in tight spaces to begin with.

A ball is placed in your right fist that you may squeeze if you need to come out, but they stress not to squeeze that ball unless it is absolutely necessary, otherwise they have to start all over again and no-one wants that. I recall lying in there reminding myself I had travelled a long way to have this done and as uncomfortable as it was, I made myself lie still until I didn't think I could do it anymore. You are given headphones that they play music and talk to you through. Some sessions seem very long, others quick, but the entire process still took forty minutes. Long enough for them to test both sides. Long enough for them to surprise us all with a detection of a suspicious miniature mass in the right breast that turned out to be cancerous.

That MRI may very well have saved my life. It took two weeks to hear back and after that I saw a surgeon who sent me to Terrace for a biopsy. Four samples were taken, three of which did not hurt. I don't know what was different about the fourth except that it made my toes curl and the breath escape me. Owwwwww. What a wimp I was back then.

As for the radiation machine, same cold steel slab that you lay on, this time face up. You have been warned not to wear any deodorant or perfumed lotion on your skin, no necklaces or jewellery around your neck. Your arm on the affected side is raised up behind you, resting on a cushioned holder. The techs introduce themselves and start moving your torso this way and that. They draw little lines on your skin with a marker that later rubs off. You have two to four new pin-point blue tattooes on your flesh that will stay with you forever as a reminder not to ever radiate this same spot ever again. The techs then flick a switch operating two oblong  over-head light-covers that now illuminate a beautiful forest scene with a babbling brook running through it. This is what you look at as the gigantic head of the machine radiates you on one side of your body with steady humming noises before rotating up and over your chest to your other side. The techs leave the room. There are sliding and clicking noises as different parts of the head open and close, depending on what strength of radiation you are getting (or so I imagine?). The techs re-appear and lower your table to the floor. You hop off and wish them a nice day before heading off to change. You now have the rest of your day to yourself.

Radiation was definitely the easiest part of the cancer experience, physically. Emotionally it is one of the hardest as you start to relax and remember all the things that you have been through the past seven months. You weep both from joy and terror that the treatments are almost over. Your life is about to be back in your own hands and now is when you really face the fact that you just had a big bad brush with that scary "C" word. All you can do is keep on breathing and enjoy the rest of the time you have left as best you can.

I tell you, after all this, going to see the dentist is going to be a breeze!

Yoga Practice After Chemotherapy

By Karen MacLeod HBBA, CYA-RYT Karen is a yoga teacher, runner, cyclist and hockey enthusiast with a passion for food, the outdoors, and coaching the entrepreneurial spirit. She passionately encourages others through her adult hockey program and yoga classes and believes that it is never too late to ignite your strengths and find more joy.

Yoga is About You on Your Mat and How You Feel in That Moment

Real yoga is not about comparison, competition, nor accomplishment - it's about how you feel in the moment

You’ve read about its benefits, heard about it from your health team and know how yoga’s impact on inflammation and fatigue has helped cancer patients. Now you are convinced that yoga can improve your chemo-muddled mind, your hijacked, fatigued body, and your shaken spirit.  But where do you start?

Yoga is more accessible than ever before, but with increased popularity comes the whole yoga-Industry story and this can be intimidating.  We see hair commercials with models doing aggressive yoga postures, magazines advertising young girls in tight clothing, and new yoga studios popping up all over with flashy teachers and expensive classes.  Intimidating indeed, especially now that you are dealing with all of the cancer sh*t.  Here are some suggestions to help you relax and start your own very personal yogic journey.

Exhale

Yoga is more than the wonderful stretching and strengthening exercises.  It’s about uniting your mind, body and spirit.  I ask you to let go of all of your preconceived notions of what a yogi is supposed to look like.  Real yoga is not about comparison, competition, nor accomplishment.  It’s about you on your mat and how you feel in that moment.  So make an effort to clear your mind and exhale any negativity on whether you are good enough. You are good enough.

Look it Up

Next grab a cup of tea and surf online to wet your toes in the vast sea of free yoga videos, online demonstrations, and articles. Research the various types of yoga and be sure to search with phrases that reflect where you are at with yoga i.e. gentle yoga, beginner yoga, healing yoga, or fiery yoga, if that is where you are at.  Learn some of the very simple and basic poses or asanas such as Child’s Pose (Balasana), Mountain Pose (Tadasana), or the very relaxing ending pose, Savasana.  Vow not to let all of the info intimidate you. There is so much out there on the world wide web so don’t feel that you need to come away with anything learned.  Just say hello.

Find Your Place

The key to enjoying yoga is finding the right yoga teacher for you and signing up for one of their classes that is right for you.  Many yoga studios, gyms, or home classes allow you to trial a class before committing so why not find a few places and pop around from class to class for the first while.  It may make you feel better to go a few minutes early and let the teacher know that you are in the process of healing and plan to take the class at your own pace.  Keep it short and sweet, then find your spot on your mat and be open to what comes next.  Notice what you notice and remember to be kind to yourself.  Yoga is a practice, not a perfect.

Make the Commitment

Yoga is a journey and a practice so make the commitment. It may start out in one place and lead to a completely different place in time. Keep your mind open; open to being present; to clearing your mind; and to stretching and strengthening your body to its optimal alignment.   If you have trouble getting out to practice then do it at home on your mat to a CD or an online yoga class.  And if it isn’t working for your body at the start, ask questions and find out from a good, caring yoga teacher what will work for you and the body you have today.

Spring into Action

You owe it to yourself to try it for at least three months. A well-chosen yoga class and teacher will allow you to start slow and progress at your own comfort level adjusting for your specific needs, strengths and limitations.  Once you find those authentic yoga teachers who inspire you, offer the depth of class you want, and who are ready to offer guidance you will never be the same again.  It’s sort of like when you finally get in the habit of eating delicious dark chocolate, or drinking fresh loose leaf brews; you won’t want to go back.

Namaste.