Bounce Back From Breast Cancer
Faster, stronger and full of energy
Hi, I'm Kate Perkins.
I've been an OT and Lymphoedema therapist for over 10 years and am passionate about helping women regain their movement, energy and quality of life after breast cancer diagnosis.
I've spent years researching and focusing on specialised cancer rehabilitation and lymphoedema, and because of the fantastic results I've had with clients, my clinic is booked out.
We created The Foundation Program online course to reach women all over the globe who want to give themselves the best chance of recovery through a guided exercise program.
My mission is to help women feel more empowered, more confident and less alone as they traverse the highs and lows of treatment.
Kate xx
Ready to bounce back to a life you love?
Gut Health Masterclass
Nurture your gut at any stage of your diagnosis with this online Gut Health Masterclass. We have teamed up with two experts in the field who will teach you the benefits of eating certain foods to improve breast cancer treatment responsiveness, reduce side effects and enhance recovery.
Start exercising at any stage:
Pre-Surgery
Prepare your body before you start treatment for breast cancer or chemotherapy. Get to know why specific postures and correct movement patterns will help you regain strength, movement and energy faster.
Post-Surgery
After surgery, you may lose function and range of movement in your shoulders which can inhibit your breathing and hinder lymphatic function. Adopting a protective posture is also normal, which is a good reason to get moving as soon as possible!
Recovery
You might be ready to get back to your regular exercises, but don't know where to start. You don't want to risk injury by incorrectly performing weights or resistance exercises. Kate's exercises will enable you to move with confidence during your recovery.
Client love
"BBFBC has given me the motivation to exercise in a non-judgemental platform where exercises are designed at a level you can handle. It gives you a voice to ask questions of people that get your journey and understand what you have been through."
- Liz Freyer
"Thank you for taking the time to do this for us online. I did Pilates before I developed cancer and I never returned again. Motivation is sometimes hard but you somehow get me to the screen and you don't feel you're the only one. I wish I had this in 2010 but I am making up for it now. I work, so my time is in the morning or at the end of a busy day. Being educated is a continuing subject and very important. You think you know everything but you don't. I am learning a lot."
- Denise Prendergast
"Motivation is so important through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. I never would have imagined I could exercise through treatment. And the feeling of connection helps through all the highs and lows."
- Monica Johnstone
What the experts say
Andrea Mangion
"Graduated and properly prescribed exercise programs are highly evidence-based to benefit cancer patients before, during, and after breast cancer treatment. Empowering yourself with high-quality education is important.
If you have lymphoedema, having exercise prescribed by a lymphoedema therapist means that the program will consider your lymphoedema needs, such as avoiding any exercises that can make you swell more."
Andrea Mangion, honorary lecturer at Macquarie University and Lymphoedema Physiotherapist.
Professor John Boyages
"All women should be prescribed exercise after being diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) guidelines.
As doctors we really need to actively think about weight, nutrition and exercise and advise about possible interventions. Weight gain is common after breast cancer treatment and many patients assume they will lose weight. Weight gain adds to self-esteem problems, increases the risk of heart disease and other cancers and several reports suggest it may affect prognosis and also increases the risk of arm swelling (lymphoedema).
Prescribing a healthy lifestyle is just as important as prescribing tablets".
Professor John Boyages AM, radiation oncologist at Icon Cancer Centre
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