Stronger Together: Livestrong is Revolutionizing Cancer Survivorship Through Exercise
Every year, nearly 2 million people in the United States receive a cancer diagnosis, a life-altering event that brings with it a host of physical and psychological challenges. The long-term effects of cancer and its treatments can severely impact a survivor’s quality of life, leading to the classification of cancer as a chronic disease by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While cancer remains a daunting diagnosis, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests lifestyle changes, particularly in the realm of exercise, can significantly improve outcomes for cancer survivors.
Recent research underscores the power of exercise in mitigating the side effects of cancer treatment, enhancing physical fitness, and improving overall well-being. Leading health organizations such as the American Institute for Cancer Research, the American Cancer Society, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology have all included exercise in their cancer-prevention guidelines.
As the medical community increasingly acknowledges the importance of exercise in cancer care, the demand for certified exercise oncology professionals is set to skyrocket. If just half of newly diagnosed cancer survivors engage in exercise programs, the United States will require approximately 20,000 cancer-informed trainers annually. This figure doesn’t even account for post-treatment survivors, further amplifying the need for specialized training in this field. Currently, there are about 20 million cancer survivors living in the U.S., many of whom face additional health challenges as they age. Access to informed, cancer-specific exercise guidance can play a crucial role in extending the healthy years of life for these individuals.
The stakes are high. Studies have shown a fivefold increase in mortality among cancer survivors who remain inactive during remission, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, effective exercise programs tailored to the unique needs of this population. Recognizing this gap, Livestrong has launched CancerFit: an exercise oncology certification. This program aims to build a dedicated workforce of professionals equipped to meet the growing demand for exercise oncology services.
Developed in partnership with Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, it seeks to empower health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement safe, effective exercise programs for cancer survivors. This initiative complements Livestrong’s existing partnership with YUSA, which has helped 80,000 cancer survivors get back on their feet through fitness and an encouraging community, expanding access to appropriate exercise resources for those affected by cancer. Its ultimate mission is to improve health-related physical fitness and manage disease through exercise adherence, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for cancer survivors.
CancerFit is structured to provide comprehensive training in cancer exercise programming, fitness assessment, and the latest knowledge in cancer treatment and survivorship. The certification process includes a rigorous examination built around specific test models, ensuring that candidates are well-versed in the most current information in the field. Study materials, including textbooks and filmed lectures, are available online, allowing candidates to engage with the content asynchronously.
The CancerFit course is divided into four key modules:
- Cancer Overview: This module introduces the basics of cancer, including risk factors, grading/staging, and an overview of various cancer types. It also covers treatment-related side effects and special topics relevant to different cancer populations.
- Exercise Physiology: Candidates will explore the principles of exercise physiology, the benefits of exercise, and specific training principles related to cardiorespiratory endurance, resistance training, flexibility, and balance. Understanding how exercise impacts cellular respiration and neuromuscular physiology is also a critical component.
- Comprehensive Fitness Assessment: This module focuses on the patient journey, emphasizing the importance of fitness assessments in cancer care. Candidates will learn how to conduct assessments across various domains, including body composition, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and musculoskeletal health.
- Cancer Exercise Programming: The final module covers the intricacies of designing exercise programs for cancer patients. It includes exercise prescriptions, special considerations for different cancer types, and guidelines on maintaining the scope of practice.
“Innumerable studies have demonstrated that exercise is associated with better cancer outcomes as well as improved quality of life during all phases of the cancer journey. Now with CancerFit, we have a resource we can trust to deliver the highest quality exercise programs at a facility near them or even their home!”
-Neal Fischbach, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine
As the field of exercise oncology continues to evolve, initiatives like CancerFit will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer survivorship care. By training a new generation of professionals who understand the complex needs of cancer survivors, we can ensure that exercise becomes a cornerstone of cancer treatment and recovery, helping survivors live strong.
