Cabrini Cancer Exercise and Wellness Centre
The Cabrini Cancer Exercise and Wellness Centre will embed research into the development and evaluation of its program structure and delivery of its programs and services. In a relaxed, welcoming and comfortable environment, this centre will be overseen by dedicated Wellness Co-ordinators. The Cabrini Cancer Exercise and Wellness Centre is dedicated to focusing on cancer exercise and wellness and providing information and support to cancer patients and their carers, throughout their cancer journey, ensuring that Cabrini better meets the needs of each cancer patient.
At Cabrini we continue to develop creative, new and evidence-based rehabilitation programs and services dedicated to cancer patients. We want to ensure our patients are active participants in their cancer recovery in terms of their health, physical function and quality of life.
Our integrated cancer services are designed to lessen a patient’s worry, by giving them access to the latest information, peer support, nutritional advice, individually tailored exercise programs, counselling and symptom management to better manage their health and wellbeing. These are designed to support patients who may experience functional decline, weakness, fatigue or emotional issues related to their treatment and management of cancer.
We offer many individualised and group programs specifically tailored for patients diagnosed and living with cancer. These programs can be accessed before, during and after cancer treatment, both in and outside the hospital setting. They are aimed to ensure cancer survivors are engaged in their own health behaviours, promote wellness and to empower people living with cancer.
Our free group sessions, Wellness Education, is facilitated by discipline specific experts in exercise, nutrition, psychology, health and wellness are held regularly throughout the year and are available free of charge to all patients.
We are your specialists in supportive integrated cancer care at diagnosis, during treatment, into survivorship and beyond and we look forward to welcoming you.
Did you know?
- Recent research suggests that exercise benefits most people both during and after cancer treatment, from reducing fatigue and improving your wellness and physical fitness, to building your confidence
- Good nutrition helps to manage the side effects of treatment and boosts your body’s immune system and ability to fight infections
- A cancer diagnosis can bring emotional challenges; talking to others, attending support groups and trying complementary therapies such as relaxation and meditation have proven benefits.
For referrals and enquiries regarding our Allied Health services and programs please contact ACCESS on (03) 9508 1700 or email access@cabrini.com.au.
Cancer Exercise and Wellness Programs
Exercise is recommended throughout all stages of your cancer journey and is proven to have significant benefits. It can help counteract the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment. Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue, increase strength, improve quality of life and enhance post-operative recovery. It can also help to reduce depression and assist with other mental health problems. Importantly exercise can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and the development of other health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Additionally, exercise can reduce, prevent or reverse side effects associated with treatment and increase the effectiveness of your treatment.
Our allied health clinicians are highly skilled and experienced in helping people both during and after treatment. All members of our multidisciplinary team promote physical activity and help patients adhere to exercise guidelines. You can visit our Cabrini Cancer Exercise and Wellness Centre in Malvern or home-based services can be arranged if this is more appropriate.
Group programs
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program
An eight-week rehabilitation group exercise and education program providing specialist support for people with early breast cancer. The program includes an initial appointment with a rehabilitation physician and a physiotherapist, followed by a customised exercise program under specialist physiotherapy or exercise physiologist supervision. These sessions allow participants to openly discuss issues related to unanswered medical questions, fatigue management, return to work strategies and issues surrounding sleep, sexuality and psychological flexibility.
General Oncology Group Exercise Program
A 12-week exercise program for patients diagnosed with cancer. The program includes an initial 60-minute individual assessment with an exercise physiologist, followed by twice weekly group sessions.
General Oncology Individual Exercise Home and Private Gym Program
Face-to-face consultation with an exercise physiologist to create a tailored exercise plan to be used at the Cabrini Cancer Exercise and Wellness Centre, a private gym or in the comfort of your own home.
Individual assessments and services
Cabrini is a leading provider of multidisciplinary cancer care. Our accredited allied health professionals provide a co-ordinated approach to the management of your cancer working with all members of your care team to support your individual health needs. As a result, we offer a range of specialised allied health services on a one-on-one basis.
Lymphoedema
ProgramLymphoedema (swelling) is a common side effect of cancer or its treatment. Our specialist lymphoedema physiotherapists provide screening, monitoring, early intervention and complex lymphoedema management and advice for cancer patients who are at risk of developing lymphoedema as a result of surgery or treatment, or for those patients with established lymphoedema.
Our early intervention program aims to ensure that all patients who have had Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) with their Breast Cancer Surgery are reviewed by a Specialist Lymphoedema Practitioner where they are closely monitor and screened for early signs and symptoms of lymphoedema, using state of the art SOZO machines. The program can help to minimise the discomfort associated with swelling and aligns with best practice guidelines and evidence based practice.
Bladder, bowel and sexual health Assessment and Review
Some cancers and cancer treatment may cause changes to bladder, bowel or sexual function as well as effects to the pelvic floor muscles in both men and women. Our physiotherapists can assist you with these concerns and treat the pelvic floor muscles of both men and women.
Dietetics and Nutrition Assessment and Review
Face-to-face consultation with a dietician to provide assessment, care planning and treatment plans to optimise your nutritional needs before, during or after cancer treatment. Our dieticians can help you with the management of treatment-related side effects (such as nausea/vomiting, constipation/diahorrea, dry/sore mouth ulcers) that can limit your ability to eat and drink.
Physiotherapy Assessment and Review
A physiotherapist can provide assessment, treatment and advice for musculoskeletal issues, pain or functional decline that may be associated with your cancer and medical treatment. They can assess you before surgery and help with post-operative exercises, guidelines and advice.
Occupational Therapy Assessment and Review
Occupational therapy aims to enable people to participate in activities of daily life. Our therapists can provide advice about fatigue management, including graded work return, and assist with energy conservation, mindfulness and relaxation techniques. They can suggest and source appropriate equipment and aids to help you with daily tasks and independence. They are able to perform a home visit and make recommendations for home modifications if required.
Speech Pathology Assessment and Review
Speech pathologists specialise in the assessment and management of communication and swallowing difficulties. Our speech pathologists can provide assistance with issues that may arise as a result of cancer and its treatment including dry mouths, speaking, swallowing, voice restoration or cognitive rehabilitation.
Exercise Physiology
An exercise physiologist specialises in the use of exercise to help patients meet specific health goals, and to assist patients living with cancer to keep active. They can screen and assess your cardiovascular capacity, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and balance and can assist with fatigue management and energy conservation strategies. They are adept at setting up tailored programs to meet patients’ individual needs.
To make a booking please contact ACCESS on T: (03) 9508 1700 F: (03) 9508 1455 E: access@cabrini.com.au.
There may be costs associated with some services/programs. Rebates may be available through your private health insurance or ask your GP about a chronic disease management plan.
Counselling Services
Being diagnosed and living with cancer can be a very confronting and emotional time for patients and their families. We understand how important it is to provide psychological and, in some cases, psychiatric support during this difficult time. Whilst many of our programs involve psychologist-led education and peer support sessions, individual consultation with a psychologist specialising in cancer is available.
Psycho-oncology
It is normal to experience distress related to a cancer diagnosis. You may need emotional support or assistance with anxiety or depression. The Melbourne Psycho-oncology Group is a private practice supporting patients requiring psycho-social support following a cancer diagnosis. The psychologists from Melbourne Psycho-oncology Service are experts in assisting people affected by illness.
T: 0413 560 719 | E: enquiries@melbournepsychooncology.com.au
Psychiatry
Individual consultation with a psychiatrist specialising in cancer. Please speak with your treating doctor about the cancer psychiatry services available at Cabrini.
T: (03) 9509 3744 | E: mogmaindesk@melbourneoncologygroup.com.au
Free support and education services
Managing Cancer Workshops
Managing Cancer Workshops empower those affected by cancer who have been recently diagnosed and are undergoing oncology treatments. Education sessions on topics such as cancer treatments and side effects, communicating with family and friends, building relationships with a healthcare team, relaxation strategies and nutrition and exercise during treatment are addressed. The program provides participants with useful skills, validated resources, knowledge around where to find relevant information and the opportunity to connect with others. This workshop is run by trained day oncology nursing facilitators with support from specialised speakers and Cancer Council Victoria.
Cancer Wellness Program
The Cancer Wellness Program empowers people to improve their health and wellbeing as they move from clinical treatment to recovery and wellness. Research indicates that group-based cancer education programs can help build resilience and increase the capacity to self-manage health and wellbeing. This program covers topics such as adjusting to physical and emotional changes after cancer treatment, adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours, returning to work and managing the financial impacts of cancer and provides strategies that assist with supported self-management. This program is run by trained day oncology nursing facilitators with support from specialised speakers and Cancer Council Victoria.
For all enquiries, please talk with your day oncology nursing staff.
Cabrini Wig Service
Cabrini offers a complimentary wig service every Thursday at Cabrini Brighton. The Cabrini wig room is a free community service available to Cabrini patients and anyone living in Bayside who is losing their hair as a result of cancer treatment. The service is volunteer-led, with support from a local Brighton hairdresser (Toni and Guy) who offer complimentary head shaves and wig trims.
Located at: Cabrini Brighton in the Ground Floor North Corridor, opposite Day Oncology.
To make an appointment, please contact us on (03) 9508 5700 between 9.00am – 5 pm Monday to Friday.
Mindfulness Meditation
The Cabrini Pastoral Care Team offers weekly mindfulness meditation sessions at Brighton, Malvern and Prahran. These sessions are open to anyone and don't require a booking.
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Brighton Chapel |
Wednesdays |
2 pm |
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Malvern Chapel |
Fridays |
1.45 pm |
For enquiries on our Mindfulness Meditation Program please contact us on (03) 9508 1222 or email pastoralbereavementservices@cabrini.com.au.
Brain Cancer Support Group
This support group is aimed at empowering participants with information and support to improve the way they live with brain cancer.
T: (03) 9508 1889 | E: neurooncology@cabrini.com.au
Early Breast Cancer Support Group
This support group provides patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer the opportunity to connect with each other and share their experiences.
T: (03) 9508 5568 | E: breastcancercare@cabrini.com.au
Look Good Feel Better
Look Good Feel Better is a free national community service program run by the Cancer Patients Foundation, dedicated to teaching cancer patients how to manage the appearance-related side-effects caused by cancer treatment. Women, men and teens participate in practical workshop demonstrations covering skin care, make-up and head wear, leaving them empowered and ready to face their cancer diagnosis with confidence.
Click here to register for a Look Good Feel Better program.
Enquiries
For further information, to refer or to book an appointment, please contact ACCESS on (03) 9508 1700 or complete the below form and we will respond to your enquiry promptly.
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Do I need a referral?
Most services offered by the Exercise and Wellness Centre don’t require a referral. Bookings cam be made by calling Access on (03) 9508 1700. The following services do require a referral from a General Practitioner or specialist:
- Lymphoedema Physiotherapy
- Early Breast Cancer Program
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What do I bring to my visit?
Please bring an up-to-date medical and medication history to your appointment, and any relevant documentation or investigations related to your condition. If your appointment involves exercising, please make sure you wear appropriate clothing and bring a towel and drink bottle.
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How do I know I am getting the best care to suit my needs?
At Cabrini, we pride ourselves on delivering the best care possible to our patients. Our teams of experienced and highly qualified health professionals are dedicated to ensure you are cared for physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually.
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Can I use a chronic disease management plan?
Yes. Please discuss this option with your General Practitioner or treating specialist.
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How do I find the Exercise and Wellness Centre?
The Exercise and Wellness Centre is located on the Ground floor, on the Isabella Street entrance, north of the Gandel wing. If you need directions, please ask staff at the main reception desk, located at the main entrance, next to the Emergency Department.
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Where can I park?
At Malvern all-day parking is available in our paid undercover car park. Access to the Cabrini car park is via Coonil Crescent (off Wattletree Road). There is also a three minute drop-off area outside the main entrance of the hospital, which is off Coonil crescent. Limited off-street parking is available in surrounding streets. Please observe parking restrictions.
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Can I get a rebate from my health fund?
Depending on your health fund cover you may be entitled to a rebate for certain services. Please contact your health fund provider to find out about your allied health service cover. If you have a chronic condition, discuss your Chronic Disease Management Plan with your General Practitioner as you may be eligible for government-subsidized treatment. Some of our specialist services, such as lymphoedema and physiotherapy, may also be covered by your health fund.