Content

• Staying Healthy After Cancer
• Managing cancer stress
• Mindfulness

Cancer Council SA runs two eduction programs to help you cope with the difficulties that arise from a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Staying Healthy After Cancer

Staying Healthy After Cancer (SHAC) is a free, seven-week program (a two and a half hour session per week) designed to help people who have finished their treatment to manage the changes resulting from a cancer experience.

The program is run by two trained leaders who have an experience of cancer and will guide you through ways of improving your health and well-being to get more out of living.

Topics in the program include:

• nutrition
• dealing with difficult feelings such as anxiety and fear
• physical activity
• goal setting
• relaxation techniques.

To register your interest in a course, or find out more, call Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or send an email to chl@cancersa.org.au

This program is delivered by trained peer leaders. If you would like to know more about becoming a leader for the program, call Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 or send an email to chl@cancersa.org.au

Managing Cancer Stress

Cancer Council SA’s eight-week (one session per week) Managing Cancer Stress program aims to help you better manage some of the difficult thoughts and emotions that can arise when facing the challenges of cancer.

Techniques used in the program include a focus on breathing and gentle movement. Trained counsellors with experience in working with people affected by cancer facilitate this free program.

Jane talks about how the Managing Cancer Stress program helped her cope with breast cancer.

Glen talks about how the Managing Cancer Stress program helped him cope with prostate cancer.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness can help you manage emotions. Mindfulness can be described as ‘consciously bringing awareness to your here and now experience with openness, interest and receptiveness’. Mindfulness is often used with other meditative techniques.

There are many aspects of mindfulness - living in the present moment, engaging fully with what you are doing rather than ‘getting lost’ in your thoughts.

This simple mindfulness technique can be done while you are cleaning your teeth. Notice how the toothbrush feels on your teeth and gums, how the toothpaste smells and tastes and what sounds the brushing makes. Give all your attention to what you are doing.

Or practice eating something like a piece of fruit in slow motion. Totally focus on the taste and texture of the fruit and the sounds, sensations and movements inside the mouth.

Course dates for 2013

Click here for a PDF version of the Mindfulness course dates for 2013.

Booster sessions - meditation practice followed by a light lunch

How does 'mindfulness' help you reduce stress

Here is a daily mindfulness exercise to help you manage stress.

Call Cancer Council Helpline for more information.