HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Nearly 120 people gathered at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center on Saturday for a free workshop focused on how exercise can support people during and after cancer treatment.
The “Let’s Move! The Importance of Physical Activity in the Cancer Journey” event featured hula, strengthening exercises and stretching activities designed for a range of ability levels.
Members of Nā Wāhine Hula ʻĀkala, a hula hālau of cancer survivors, performed and taught attendees simple hula movements that could be done while standing or seated.
Participants also tried modified squats, leg raises and balance exercises.
Speakers from the UH Cancer Center and REHAB Hospital of the Pacific discussed research showing physical activity can help with issues commonly experienced during the cancer journey, including fatigue, anxiety, depression and lymphedema.
“People who have undergone cancer treatment, whether it’s chemotherapy or anti-hormone therapy or other things, can be really fatigued and tired. Exercise definitely helps with that,” said UH Cancer Center Associate Professor Dr. Jami Fukui.
Attendee Nina Rapelline said exercise therapy helped her after being diagnosed and treated for cancer.
“It gives you something to focus on, and you know that you’re contributing to your well-being by moving,” she said.
The event was presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community and ʻOhana Pink programs and coincided with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The workshop also included informational resources and presentations on the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors.
The UH Cancer Center said nearly 76,000 people in Hawaii are living with cancer.
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