Cancer is not a welcome diagnosis. For many, it means a serious fight that takes a toll on the body, mind and spirit. Hancock Health is passionate about delivering quality cancer care that honors the whole person. That is why our Hancock Wellness Centers offer a popular Cancer Fit Program, designed to help patients feel stronger and find community during and post-treatment.
Cancer Fit offers expert guidance for those fighting the battle of their lives
This physician-referral program, led by Certified Clinical Cancer Exercise Specialists is available to patients and survivors at any level of treatment (ongoing and completed). By grouping exercise intensity into four different phases, Cancer Fit combines a gentle approach while also challenging the body to get stronger and healthier as time progresses.
Depending on the person, what type of cancer they have and other chronic health issues, there are many benefits for those who maintain their exercise capacity during and after cancer treatment, including:
- Improved tolerance to chemotherapy
- Increased pain tolerance
- Increased energy levels
- Strengthened immune function
- Increased muscular strength
- Better balance
- Increased endurance
- Higher quality-of-life
- Reduced fatigue and pain
- Sense of accomplishment
But there are some other hidden benefits of being part of this program as well.
Creating a sense of community among cancer patients
Not only does Cancer Fit offer physical benefits, but emotional ones too, especially for those who feel isolated or lonely while going through cancer treatment. Being in a group of people who are either having a very similar life challenge or who have already conquered it is medicine in and of itself.
In 2018, Carol was fighting cancer for the third time. She and her husband moved to Greenfield 10 years ago to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. “I was so sick and so weak,” she recalls. “But I heard about Cancer Fit, and I called the Wellness Center. After I got a referral from my doctor, I began working with Garren to start building up my muscles.”
At the same time, Donna Wilson was recovering from breast cancer surgery. The native of Speedway ended up in Hancock County following retirement. They purchased some land and built a home to be closer to five of her seven grandchildren. After spending a career as a registered nurse, she was the one receiving care. “After my initial evaluation with Garren, he asked if I’d like to work out with another lady,” she says. “And that lady was Carol. We had a lot in common, and it encouraged both of us to keep going.”
As Donna and Carol can both attest, the program benefits go far beyond their physical well-being. “Breast cancer knocks your self image down,” says Donna. “Coming in here, being around people — being in workout clothes — really gave me a lot of self-esteem and helped me mentally.”
“I probably would not be here today,” says Carol. “Building up my strength and meeting people has helped make me much stronger. And I’ve made a wonderful friend.”
How to join Cancer Fit
Cancer Fit is a physician referral program, but your physician does not need to be in the Hancock Health network. The program is free to members of the Hancock Wellness Centers and just $30 a month for non-members. All participants must schedule an assessment prior to beginning. Call one of the three Centros de bienestar Hancock today, located in Greenfield, New Palestine and McCordsville!