patients,
friends & family
PINC & STEEL is more than just helping people after cancer, it is about giving hope, strength and courage.
physios &
professionals
PINC & STEEL is more than just helping people after cancer, it is about giving hope, strength and courage.
The PINC & STEEL Foundation was born from the idea that every individual touched by cancer should not only survive but thrive.
Our focus is delivering a world-class program for cancer survivorship by supporting people affected by any type of cancer through all stages of their treatment and recovery.
The name PINC & STEEL comes from two acronyms: Physio-delivered, Individualised, Needs-based Care and Support To Energise & Empower Lives. This reflects PINC & STEEL is about more than helping people through physical rehabilitation, it is about giving hope, strength and courage and empowering people to reclaim their mental, emotional and social wellbeing.
Currently in New Zealand, our health system is failing many of those with cancer by not providing access to essential rehabilitation. Despite the critical need, there are no integrated or funded rehabilitation pathways, leading to the needless suffering of thousands of New Zealanders. We are working to close this gap to ensure every individual touched by cancer not only survives but thrives. More and more people are surviving cancer. But we have to recognise ‘not dying’ is not the same as ‘being well’.
Lou James (MNZM)
A REMARKABLE PIONEER
Lou James MNZM is a pioneering force behind the cancer rehabilitation movement in New Zealand. After receiving her Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy in 1997, Lou became deeply passionate about helping people affected by cancer reclaim the quality of life they deserve. Witnessing the unnecessary struggles and long-term disability many faced after cancer treatment, she was driven to create lasting change.
Lou is the founder of the PINC & STEEL Cancer Rehabilitation Programs, which focus on restoring physical and mental wellbeing after a cancer diagnosis. She also established the PINC & STEEL Education Academy, championing the role of oncology physiotherapy. Today, this academy supports over 2,000 providers across 24 countries, advancing the global standard of cancer rehabilitation care.
To address barriers in access to care, Lou founded the PINC & STEEL Foundation, enabling thousands of New Zealanders without insurance or financial means to access essential rehabilitation services each year.
Lou is deeply committed to raising awareness about the importance of cancer rehabilitation. She strives to ensure that every person affected by cancer is supported in their recovery—empowered to rebuild strength, restore hope, and reclaim what cancer has taken away.
In recognition of her contributions, Lou was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to people with cancer in 2017. She also recognised as a Denizen Hero and you can read more about her work here.
Prof Rod MacLeod (MNZM)
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Professor Rod MacLeod PhD MMedEd FRCGP FAchPM is a retired Specialist in Palliative Care and Conjoint Professor of the University of Sydney.
Rod has been a long-time advocate of the PINC & STEEL Programs and he has a long record of international prominence in the field of palliative care achieved through clinical practice, research, education and service.
He has been involved in cancer research for the past 30 years and has conducted research into the benefits of exercise for males recovering from prostate cancer. He has supported the PINC & STEEL Education Academy in the education of Physiotherapists since 2011.
Prof MacLeod and Lou James hope that the PINC & STEEL Programs will help to raise awareness of the importance of prescribed rehabilitation for every person undergoing surgery or treatment for cancer.
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