When Pam went in for a scan to check her calcium score, the last thing she expected to be told was that she had breast cancer.

A lump in her breast – fortuitously found during the scan – meant a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and eventually radiation.

“All at the marvellous Cabrini Malvern,” Pam said. “All the staff were so professional, kind and compassionate.”

While attending chemotherapy, Pam came across information about the Cabrini Exercise and Wellness Centre (EWC) and decided to give it a try.

“I signed up for most things,” Pam said. “I couldn’t believe the amazing support services offered. I also availed myself of the wonderful yoga classes run by Mel – just perfect for my recovery.”

Located just down the road from Cabrini, the Centre offers a wide range of services, including cancer rehabilitation, specialist allied heath, mindfulness and yoga, education sessions, and peer support groups. The EWC also provides services supporting those living with cardiac and respiratory illness, including cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Now, EWC has made life a whole lot easier for Cabrini patients living with and recovering from cancer, with the launch of EWC’s Wellness Day Fridays, a program generously funded by a Cabrini donor.

Wellness Day Fridays give patients the opportunity to choose from numerous classes and activities all on the same day. Last Friday, staff and patients gathered for a morning tea to celebrate the launch.

“We are so excited to introduce our new Wellness Day Fridays for our Cabrini cancer patients and their carers too,” Katie Dixon, Director of Allied Health said.

“We know that wellness programs can make a meaningful difference for people living with cancer – not by replacing medical treatment, but by supporting the whole person physically, emotionally, and socially.”

Every Friday, patients can choose from a variety of supportive services, including:

• Free yoga, mindfulness and relaxation classes (with carers welcome to attend)
• Free peer support groups
• Strength and conditioning exercise groups
• Pop up education and wellness events
• Psychology, dietetics, physiotherapy, exercise physiologist specialist allied health services
• Opportunity to visit the centre and meet the wellness coordinators.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs have been shown to reduce anxiety, fatigue, depression, and fear of cancer recurrence compared with usual care, while yoga interventions – especially during treatments like radiotherapy – are associated with better overall quality of life and psychological health.

Trial data suggests that mindfulness and yoga-based programs can help improve emotional wellbeing and quality of life in people with breast cancer, like Pam.

For her, these benefits were clear from the beginning.

“I found the exercise classes so beneficial from my very first session,” Pam said.

Beyond the physical benefits, the sense of connection has been just as meaningful.

“The best part has been sharing the experience with other women going through similar experiences. We even formed a What’s App group so we could continue to keep in touch as people left.”

Throughout her journey, the encouragement Pam has received from the Centre has made all the difference.

“Throughout, I’ve felt very supported by all the staff – including the reception team,” Pam said. “I highly recommend the program to anyone going through or post-treatment. Participating has really helped me not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally.”

To learn more about the services available call 9508 1700 or email access@cabrini.com.au. To refer a patient to the Cabrini Exercise and Wellness Centre use our downloadable referral form.