YWCA Australia’s Encore breast cancer exercise program to help women who have survived the disease

A support group is seeking women in the community who have lived through breast cancer to join its free eight-week exercise program starting next year. YWCA Australia’s free Encore breast cancer exercise program helps women who have experienced cancer treatment to restore mobility, flexibility and confidence. The not-for-profit organisation is calling for those affected by breast cancer to join the program beginning in February, during which women can make friends who have had similar experiences. Geraldton Encore facilitator Fiona Galvin has run the annual program since 2018, inspiring participants to live, learn and thrive while raising funds for cancer research through exercise programs every year. Ms Galvin raised $7600 during the MACA Ride for Research last year — a two-day, 200km return journey from the Optus Stadium to Mandurah — and said she was committed to ride every year she could. Based on land and pool exercises and information sessions, Encore is a safe, fun and therapeutic program for women who want to strengthen their general fitness after dealing with symptoms from treatment. The program has seen 80 per cent of participants demonstrate increased strength, 95 per cent show increased aerobic endurance, and 70 per cent show improved flexibility. For more information or to register, visit www.ywcaencore.org.au or phone 0449 904 011.