Fit to take on cancer

Cancer survivor Jan Byrne hopes to start an exercise and support group for other cancer sufferers and survivors.

Emma Channon

JAN Byrne believes it was her positive, healthy attitude - alongside the unwavering support from friends and family - that helped her tackle and overcome two rounds of cancer.

The Warwick woman contracted breast cancer in 1999 and made the conscious effort to keep up her daily walks and regular trips to the gym as she went through radiation and chemotherapy.

As she nears the five-year clearance mark since being diagnosed the second time, Mrs Byrne is forming a support and exercise group for fellow cancer sufferers and survivors.

"My doctor told me it was really important to exercise and keep as fit as possible, and I've always been a sporty person," she said.

"It'd just be a group that would meet for exercise and talk and get to know each other.

"I think having a group that supported one another would really help."

Exercise groups of its kind are few and far between in regional areas, which is one of the reasons Mrs Byrne wanted to begin one.

She said more importantly, it would open up discussion for people and their experiences with any form of cancer, and others who had been through it all could share advice.

"The cancer council has been tremendous and they couldn't have been more supportive," she said.

"We'll get together and just go from there. Whatever people want to do, whether it's meet for coffee or go for weekly walks.

"Hopefully all participants will end up fit and healthy and begin the road to recovery."