The Cancer Society pilot would start by the end of next month, with participants drawn from four general practices.
Dr Walthert, herself a breast cancer survivor, said the pilot would involve about 10 patients, with a focus on nutrition, exercise, relationships, counselling and practical help from agencies such as Work and Income.
Many cancer survivors were depressed, anxious, fearful and highly stressed, she said. Treatment, as well as the cancer, took a toll on physical and mental health.
As well as emotional help, survivors needed support getting their careers, finances, and general affairs back on track.
Evidence was also mounting for the effectiveness of exercise for preventing the return of certain cancers.
The pilot differed from an existing Cancer Society wellness programme because of a focus on life after cancer, rather than living with cancer, Dr Walthert said.
Patients would be drawn from the four practices, but Dunedin Hospital oncologists would decide who was referred. The link with general practice emphasised the importance of the primary care sector in a person's recovery and general health.
Southern DHB oncologists initiated the programme through expressing concern people might be free of cancer but were languishing in other ways, Dr Walthert said.
Amity Health Centre GP Dr Phil White, whose practice is participating, said something was needed to reintegrate people into everyday life. Inevitably, some patients became accustomed to "treatment mode" rather than "living life mode".
"It's to try to help people to live life with the cancer treatment in the background, rather than being the dominant feature of their life."
The pilot will be researched by the University of Otago's department of preventive and social medicine. The physical education department will provide exercise workshops.
The pilot was expected to continue until the end of this year, and could be extended across Otago and Southland.
