A PIONEERING study launched in Bournemouth two years ago has shown that keeping active improves the health and well-being of people who have been treated for cancer.

The Bournemouth Cancer Survivorship programme was one of 18 Department of Health-backed pilot projects aimed at improving the life expectancy of cancer patients.

It gave 200 melanoma, colorectal and breast cancer survivors who had been treated at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals the chance to have an individual fitness assessment and three-month exercise plan.

The patients were assessed before, during and after the programme. Results showed that those taking part showed improvements including weight loss, better blood pressure and a renewed sense of health and well-being.

One commented: “The programme has played an extremely valuable part in my recovery. I think anyone in my situation would benefit greatly from participating.”

Previous studies have shown that regular exercise can be of as much benefit as chemotherapy in cutting the risk of cancer returning.

The project’s chairman, consultant surgeon Mr Dexter Perry, said: “The programme aimed to help survivors of cancer get back to normality by giving them the belief and support they needed. The team is thrilled at the success of the pilot and the positive impact it has had on participants.”

The Bournemouth project was a collaboration between the hospitals, NHS Bournemouth and Poole, Dorset Cancer Network, the Littledown Centre, Macmillan Cancer Support and Bournemouth University.

Survival rates for all major cancers in Bournemouth and Poole are the best in the South West region.