CanEx Program
CanEx Program – Exercise Oncology and Cancer Rehabilitation SupportMid North Coast
CanEx is a supportive oncology exercise and cancer rehabilitation program for people living with cancer on the Mid North Coast. Delivered by Accredited Exercise Physiologists from Mid North Coast Allied Health, CanEx provides safe, personalised cancer exercise support during treatment, after treatment, or while managing ongoing cancer-related concerns. The program may help with:
◆ Cancer-related fatigue
◆ Muscular weakness
◆ Reduced fitness
◆ Balance changes
◆ Treatment side effects
◆ Mental health and wellbeing
◆ Lymphoedema
◆ Peripheral neuropathy
◆ Bone health
◆ Returning to exercise safely
◆ Joint stiffness and range of motion
◆ Improve cognition
Exercise plays a role in strengthening the body’s natural defence systems against cancer by creating internal conditions that are less favourable for cancer growth – this is exercise oncology!
Who Will Support Me During My Cancer Exercise Program?
Living with or recovering after cancer can affect your energy, confidence, routines, and how your body feels each day.
At CanEx, you’ll be supported by Accredited Exercise Physiologists from Mid North Coast Allied Health who understand that every cancer experience is personal. Your Exercise Physiologist will create a safe, realistic and personalised exercise program around your treatment history, symptoms, energy levels and goals. Where appropriate, they may also liaise with your cancer care team so your exercise oncology support feels coordinated, reassuring and centred around you.
You don’t need to feel fit or confident to begin. CanEx is designed to meet you where you are, whether you are newly diagnosed, currently in cancer treatment, recovering after cancer treatment, or rebuilding strength and confidence after cancer.
Why Exercise During and Following treatment?
Cancer and its treatment can affect many areas of health and daily life. People commonly experience fatigue, reduced strength and fitness, balance changes, anxiety, and difficulty managing everyday activities.
Research shows that exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage these effects and support recovery.
What Does your CanEx Cancer Rehabilitation Program Include?
Initial Exercise Oncology Assessment:
Your exercise journey starts with a one-on-one assessment to understand your cancer treatment, symptoms, energy levels, concerns, physical function and personal goals.
Familiarisation Sessions:
Before joining a group, you will complete individual sessions so you can learn your exercises, become familiar with the equipment, and feel comfortable and supported in the space.
Supervised Cancer Exercise Program:
You can attend eight supervised small group exercise sessions over eight weeks, with a maximum of six participants. Each session offers close supervision and support in a calm, encouraging environment.
Future Exercise Planning:
We’ll review your progress and help you plan how to keep moving safely, confidently and sustainably after the CanEx program.
How Do I Get Started with CanEx?
Ask for a referral from your oncologist, cancer nurse, GP or another member of your healthcare team. You can also contact the CanEx team directly to ask about self-referral and whether the program is suitable for you.
We will answer your questions, talk through your goals, and help you decide whether CanEx exercise oncology and cancer rehabilitation support is right for you.
FAQ
Where is the CanEx Exercise Oncology Program offered on the Mid North Coast?
CanEx is available through Mid North Coast Allied Health clinics for eligible Mid North Coast Cancer Institute patients, with telehealth exercise physiology support available where clinically appropriate.
Where possible, CanEx appointments may be coordinated around existing cancer treatment or MNCCI appointments to reduce travel, support continuity of care, and make participation in cancer rehabilitation easier.
Who can participate in the CanEx cancer rehabilitation program?
CanEx is suitable for adults of all ages, fitness levels and abilities who are known patients of the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute and would benefit from supervised exercise oncology support.
You may be eligible for the CanEx cancer exercise program if you are:
- Newly diagnosed with cancer or preparing for cancer treatment
- Currently receiving cancer treatment
- Recovering after cancer treatment and wanting to rebuild strength, fitness and confidence
- Living with metastatic cancer and looking for safe, supervised exercise support
- Managing cancer-related fatigue, weakness, reduced balance, loss of fitness or treatment side effects
Before starting, we complete screening and an individual exercise oncology assessment to make sure CanEx is safe, appropriate and tailored to your needs.
What types of cancer exercise programs are available through CanEx?
Your CanEx exercise program is personalised by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and may include:
- Strength and resistance training to support muscle strength, cancer-related fatigue and bone health
- Aerobic exercise to help with fitness and cardiovascular health
- Balance training to reduce falls risk and improve confidence with movement
- Functional movement exercises to support everyday activities and independence
- Flexibility and mobility training to improve stiffness, comfort and range of movement
What happens during my CanEx exercise oncology initial assessment?
During your initial CanEx assessment, your Exercise Physiologist will take time to understand your health, treatment experience and goals. This may include:
- Discussing your cancer diagnosis, treatment history and current stage of care
- Discussing any medical, musculoskeletal or treatment-related concerns
- Understanding your goals, priorities, confidence and previous exercise experience
- Assessing your strength, balance, mobility, physical function and daily activity needs
- Measuring cancer-related fatigue, wellbeing and quality of life
- Identifying exercise precautions, safety considerations and symptoms that may need monitoring
- Developing a safe, personalised cancer exercise plan that can be progressed at your pace
How much does the CanEx cancer exercise program cost?
Thanks to funding from the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, eligible participants can access the CanEx exercise oncology and cancer rehabilitation program at a heavily subsidised rate.
Participants contribute $10 per attended session, helping make supervised cancer exercise support more accessible.
Medicare and GP Chronic Condition Management Plan support
To assist with the overall cost of CanEx, participants are encouraged to speak with their General Practitioner about a General Practice Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) if eligible.
A GPCCMP allows Medicare rebates to be claimed for Exercise Physiology services, reducing the overall cost of participation and helping MNCCI maximise the number of patients who can access the program.
Our team can provide information to assist you in discussing this option with your GP.
What if cost is a concern?
We understand that cancer treatment and recovery can place financial pressure on you and your family.
If cost may stop you from participating in CanEx, please speak with us. Additional support may be available through MNCCI on a case-by-case basis so you can access safe, supportive cancer rehabilitation where possible.