The DEISE project will assess the acceptability of a new dance exercise intervention for younger women post cancer treatment
Working in partnership with the School of Health Sciences, South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford, the Solas Cancer Support Centre has launched a 10-week, instructor-led dance class, based in the SETU Arena. The dance will incorporate a routine aimed at younger women to undertake light to moderate intensity exercise after treatment or surgery and they will be accompanied by a friend throughout the intervention.
New support option for women 18 - 45 years
Solas Cancer Support Centre Manager, Tracy McDaid explains more “The service sees a high percentage of younger women (18 to 45 years) post-treatment each year. In recovery, they may have returned to their normal routine but report how different they now feel. We are often asked to host peer support groups for this cohort of clients and have struggled to establish the right model. We hope that this new support option is suitable, particularly as participants are invited to bring a friend or family member to the session. We hope that these ‘dance buddies’ will encourage participants during the 10 weeks.”
The Dance Exercise Intervention In Survivorship Evaluation (DEISE) project
An exciting part of this new program is the collaboration with a research team in SETU who will look at the acceptability of this exercise intervention for younger women. The Dance Exercise Intervention In Survivorship Evaluation (DEISE) project is a National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) funded initiative. Prof Martina Gooney, the lead researcher on DEISE, explains the aims of this project: “Working with the Solas Cancer Support Centre the program aims to encourage participants to be fit and active in a friendly, safe and enjoyable environment, to support engagement with younger women who have similar experiences and to promote and develop physical activity to support recovery from cancer treatment.”
The SETU research team are looking forward to engaging with participants a number of times during the 10 weeks undertaking short questionnaires about their experiences of the dance classes.
Photo: Left to right – SETU Research Team working collaboratively across the School of Health Sciences: Dr Patricia Hunt, Dr Patricia Sheehan, Prof Martina Gooney, Ms Sarah Brennan, Dr Evan Matthews. Not featured Dr Marina Green.