Cancer specialists are calling for rehabilitation to become a standard part of treatment, as studies highlight the benefits of guided exercise to prevent recurrence and even death.
Oncologist Dr Rosalie Stephens said several studies showed structured exercise "helps with how people cope with treatment... their mental health and importantly, how likely they are to survive cancer".
The results of an international trial published last year found colon cancer patients who participated in rehab exercise after their treatment were 28% less likely to have the cancer return and their survival rate increased by 37%.
But with long wait lists and limited eligibility, access to funded physio and guided exercise through the health system is limited.
Charities like the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation are trying to fill the gap.
The classes' participants have a "really wide range of ability", from those "building themselves up from scratch, all the way through to people who maybe are feeling better or they're further down the track", oncology physiotherapist Kirsten Rose explained.
Diane Robertson, who is in recovery after receiving a diagnosis 18 months ago, said the classes had been "life-changing".
The highlight was a summer paddleboarding programme.
"I'm a paddleboard queen," Robertson said. "So being in the group with a physio and with a trained person who actually was able to monitor what I'm doing and to get out and be on the board was just an absolute treat."
The classes offered not only physical support but mental, too.
"You don't need to explain, you don't need to talk about your treatment or your disease," she said.
Rose said participants had "such a lift in their whole presence" after attending the classes.
'An important health intervention'
But as more patients recognise the benefits, demand is increasing, with referrals to the foundation’s programme surging by more than 50% last year alone.
Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation founder Lou James said people were often "really shocked to learn that the rehabilitation part of cancer is not a standard part of care, nor is it funded".
"So, unless you can advocate for yourself, unless you can pay yourself, you miss out."
Stephens called for rehabilitation to become a standard part of treatment.
"We need to see prescribed exercise as a medicine, as an important health intervention and not as a luxury," she said.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said he expected patients to be able to access the care they need in a timely manner and was seeking further information on the issue.
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