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Three in four gardeners living with cancer that we talked to say that gardening during and after treatment helped them manage feelings of depression and sadness[1], according to new research by Macmillan Cancer Support and the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) published today (Wednesday 6 June).
An online survey of 41 gardeners living with cancer[2] found that four in five say that gardening helps reduce stress and anxiety, and helps take their mind off treatment.
Gardening also had a positive impact on the cancer patients’ physical well-being. Over half say that it helps to give them more energy while one in three say that it helps manage fluctuations in their weight as a result of treatment[3].
Macmillan’s previous research showed that moving more during and after cancer treatment can help people living with cancer take back control of their life, reduce treatment related side-effects like fatigue, lower the chances of them getting other long term conditions and help reduce the risk of some cancers recurring[4].
Professor Jane Maher, Chief Medical Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, says:
“It’s so important that we bust this myth that cancer patients should ‘rest up’. So many patients and professionals still believe that it is necessary to rest during and after cancer treatment. However we know that that doing moderate physical activity such as gardening on a regular basis actually helps to significantly reduce the impact of side-effects of cancer treatment such as depression, fatigue, bone thinning, muscle wasting and heart damage. It is vital that people living with a cancer diagnosis are aware of these benefits and are encouraged to do moderate physical activity by health professionals, friends and family.”
Joe Swift, President of The National Gardens Scheme and Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner, says:
“We know from experience how watching plants grow can really help someone feel more positive when they are going through a difficult time as well as bringing back a sense of control to their lives. We hope to encourage more people to get out into their own gardens or to visit a garden opening on behalf of The National Gardens Scheme. This year we are hoping to grow our partnership with Macmillan even more by raising awareness of the great benefits that gardening can bring and also by providing greater gardening opportunities to people affected by cancer or its treatment.”
Caroline Fox, 66, from Hertfordshire, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and five years later with cancer of the appendix. She turned to gardening as a way of helping her recover from the physical and emotional side effects of her diagnosis and subsequent treatment:
"I discovered that gardening was a teacher. It taught me to be patient and to trust. Most importantly, gardening was a way of showing that I could believe in tomorrow. I did feel depressed and physically weak as a result of chemotherapy treatment but gardening changed all that. As I slowly nurtured and transformed it, a gentle symbiosis took place. My garden nurtured and restored me in return."
Macmillan is able to support you to get into or back into physical activity visit www.macmillan.org.uk/movemore| and request an information pack or call our support line on 0808 808 0000.
Claire Keuls, Media and PR Officer, Macmillan Cancer Support 020 7840 4872 (out of hours 07801 307068) ckeuls@macmillan.org.uk|
[1] Macmillan/NGS online survey of 148 NGS gardeners, of whom 41 are living with cancer. Fieldwork undertaken in May 2012. Survey results have not been weighted.
[2] Macmillan/NGS online survey of 148 NGS gardeners, of whom 41 are living with cancer. Fieldwork undertaken in May 2012. Survey results have not been weighted.
[3] Macmillan/NGS online survey of 148 NGS gardeners, of whom 41 are living with cancer. Fieldwork undertaken in May 2012. Survey results have not been weighted.
[4] Macmillan Cancer Support (2011) Move More: Physical activity the underrated ‘wonder drug’. This report highlights evidence reviewed as part of Macmillan’s more detailed 2011 report ‘The importance of physical activity for people living with and beyond cancer: A concise evidence review. For more information see www.macmillan.org.uk/movemore|
Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support. Working alongside people affected by cancer, Macmillan works to improve cancer care. More than one in three of us get cancer. Two million of us are living with it. If you are affected by cancer Macmillan can help.
For more information about Macmillan Cancer Support, visit www.macmillan.org.uk| or freephone 0800 500 800 for an information pack.