free classes for patients, carers
Camera Iconfree classes for patients, carers Credit: Supplied/Emma Reeves

New program manages emotional impacts of cancer diagnosis

Staff ReporterWanneroo Times

The program, run jointly by the Cancer Council of WA and the University of WA, will investigate how stress management programs can help alleviate and prevent anxiety and depression in cancer sufferers.

Lead researcher Kellie Bennett from UWA’s school of psychiatry and clinical neurosciences said there was growing interest in how mindfulness meditation and relaxation could help with stress management.

‘Research shows that stress management programs may reduce anxiety and improve mood, quality of life, alleviate sleep problems, and provide some pain relief,’ she said.

‘More specifically, research shows that stress management programs, including mindfulness meditation and relaxation, produce significant changes in participants in a number of areas including stress reduction in patients with cancer; decreased mental health problems; improved coping skills and well-being; decreased pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance; and overall improvement in general mood.’

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The free classes will be run at the Gibson Community Centre in Padbury from the first week of August.

For more information or to sign up, phone 9382 9370.