News

Pilot program aims to improve the lives of patients battling most common lung cancer

Aug 26, 2022

Ramsay Health Care has launched a new program designed to improve wellbeing and reduce the impact of treatment for lung cancer patients undergoing combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The Ramsay Lung Cancer Rehabilitation Pilot Program, supported by AstraZeneca, provides rehabilitation, physiotherapy and nutrition support at no out-of-pocket cost to patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for unresectable stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for around 85 per cent of all lung cancer cases.

The Ramsay Lung Cancer Rehabilitation Pilot Program links patients with a Cancer Care Navigator to develop a support plan including access to Ramsay Health Plus’s allied health team. Rehabilitation includes physiotherapy support for function, mobility, and strength and an appropriate exercise regime and access to a dietician to develop a nutritional plan for optimal eating during chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

The program is designed to improve muscle strength and control, improve mobility and flexibility, help manage fatigue, improve cardiovascular and respiratory fitness and circulation, and reduce pain and swelling associated with the cancer treatment.

Rehabilitation sessions are delivered face to face at Ramsay Health Plus allied health facilities by qualified physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and dieticians.

Physiotherapist and National Manager of Ramsay Health Plus, Dylan Rowley says research has shown the support of allied health services improves tolerance of treatment and side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for lung cancer treatment.

“The Ramsay Lung Cancer Rehabilitation Pilot Program will provide patients with appropriate exercise and nutrition plans to put them in the best health to undergo their cancer treatment,” Mr Rowley said.

“Eating well and feeling strong and fit can have a big impact on your mental health, reduce the side effects of treatment and optimise your treatment outcomes.”

The program will come at no out-of-pocket cost to patients, with any costs not covered by Medicare or a patient’s health fund to be paid by AstraZeneca.

Country President of AstraZeneca Australia & New Zealand, Ben McDonald said: “AstraZeneca is proud to partner with Ramsay Health on the implementation of a new program to support lung cancer patients during their treatment journey. This agreement builds on AstraZeneca’s collaboration with Ramsay Health over many years across their hospitals and health centres around Australia. We look forward to expanding this program beyond lung cancer to help address the needs of Australians living with terminal, chronic and rare illnesses.”

The six-month pilot program will be run out of eight Ramsay hospitals: St George Private Hospital, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Hollywood Private Hospital, John Flynn Private Hospital, Warringal Private Hospital, Wollongong Private Hospital, Lake Macquarie Private Hospital and The Border Cancer Hospital.