Helen Worthington, a 40-year-old primary school teacher from Adelaide, is fighting Stage 4 bowel cancer that had spread to her liver, a diagnosis that came as a shock after she experienced a sudden, uncomfortable twinge in her abdomen.
Worthington initially dismissed the pain as gastrointestinal distress but sought medical attention when it persisted. Despite her reluctance to "make a fuss," doctors at an emergency department took her symptoms seriously. Within a short period, her condition escalated from suspected gastritis to a Stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis, which had already metastasized to her liver.
"There was no gradual realization that something might be wrong. It was a complete shock," Worthington told news.com.au. She noted that, apart from feeling slightly tired, she had no other symptoms prior to the acute pain, making it difficult to comprehend how such a serious illness had progressed unnoticed.
Less than 24 hours after the diagnosis, Worthington underwent emergency surgery to remove the affected part of her bowel. She then began chemotherapy, having completed 27 rounds. Her cancer has a BRAF V600E mutation, indicating a more aggressive form. Her current treatment plan involves continuing chemotherapy as long as it remains effective and tolerable, with regular scans to monitor the cancer's progression. The objective is to keep the cancer under control for as long as possible, as there is no set end date for her chemotherapy.
Worthington has also incorporated medically prescribed exercise into her treatment regimen. Initially skeptical, she found that physical activity has become a pivotal part of her journey, helping her build muscle and improve her fitness and strength. She described exercise as providing something she can actively do for herself, offering a sense of control amidst the uncertainties of her diagnosis and treatment.
The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia recommends that individuals undergoing cancer treatment engage in regular exercise, including at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, alongside two to three strength-building sessions. This approach can help mitigate treatment side effects, enhance physical function, potentially lower cancer recurrence rates, and improve survival for certain cancer types, according to Cancer Council NSW.
Worthington's oncology physiotherapist, Lauren Whiting, emphasized that medically prescribed exercise is a tailored intervention, distinct from general fitness advice. It considers the patient's specific cancer diagnosis, treatment, medical history, symptoms, and physical capabilities. Despite the recognized benefits, Whiting noted that consistent access to such programs remains a challenge, highlighting the need for better referral pathways, funding, trained clinicians, and infrastructure to deliver these services effectively within routine cancer care.