Fighting cancer can take a significant toll on a patient’s body, and the effects of both the disease and the treatments can be debilitating.

The University of Canberra Cancer Wellness Clinic aims to support patients during the worst time of their life by developing a holistic allied health treatment plan designed to mitigate treatment-related side effects.

Now, thanks to a generous $15,000 per annum donation from the Capital Chemist Group for three years, up to 250 cancer patients a year can receive their first consultation free.

Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018, Cassandra Bennett, 42, recently had her first sponsored consultation at the Clinic and says such assistance is “essential” for cancer patients to help them take control of their health.

“When you receive a diagnosis like this, you feel like your treatment is out of your control,” says Ms Bennett.  

She now has a tailor-made treatment plan after Clinic staff took her full medical history and tested her physiological and cognitive function.

“This type of wellness plan can help patients take back some ownership of their treatment, and that is a key element of survivorship,” Ms Bennett says.

Exercise physiology clinical supervisor Melanie Moore says the offer for a free first consultation can really make a difference to get more cancer patients through the door.

“We know now, more than ever, that healthcare affordability is a challenge, so being able to help support patients with a donation of this magnitude is incredible,” says Ms Moore.

Owner and Pharmacist at Capital Chemist Charnwood, Samantha Kourtis, says community pharmacists feel and experience the “heartbeat of the community” every day.

“We see many patients during and after cancer treatment, and we see the challenges and struggles they face, so helping to fund a program that offers nutrition, exercise and mental health support is so important,” says Ms Kourtis.

For enquires about the allied health services offered at the UC Cancer Wellness Clinic, call (02) 6201 5843 or email [email protected]

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