The Moving Through Cancer program was developed to help patients, families, health care providers and others find hospital and community-based exercise programs in their communities. Being active throughout the cancer journey and beyond can improve one's ability to handle and stick with cancer treatments, help the patient feel better and may even prevent cancer recurrence.
Please enter your search information below to discover what programs are available in a specific area. The programs are divided into those that are delivered in a medical setting, in a community-based facility, or can be done at home. Contact information is provided so that you can reach out to a program coordinator to learn more.
Click here if you wish to add a program to the directory.
If you wish to edit your program, please contact Kathryn Schmitz at schmitzk@upmc.edu.
The goal of Moving Through Cancer is to provide information and promote awareness of physical activity, health, and wellness, and the benefits of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of disease. The programs and service providers identified in the Moving Through Cancer directory have no source, sponsorship or other affiliation with the American College of Sports Medicine (“ACSM”) nor have they been evaluated by ACSM. Individuals should consult and follow the advice of oncology professionals before commencing any treatment plan, including any program or other service offered by a provider identified in the directory. If you are a listed service provider and wish to be removed from the directory, or if you otherwise wish to provide information that advances the goal of Moving Through Cancer, please contact ACSM at eim@acsm.org.
Activating Cancer Communities through an Exercise Strategy for Survivors
Program Type
Clinic Out-Patient
Community
Research Study
Number Served per Year: 100
Program Description
Activating Cancer Communities through an Exercise Strategy for Survivors (ACCESS) is a free 12-week exercise program designed to lessen the impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment(s) on the health and well-being of individuals confronted with the disease. The primary purpose of this project will be to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a clinic-to-community-based cancer and exercise model of care. Findings from this study will support the development of sustainable exercise programs for survivors.
Contact
Melanie Keats
Email: melanie.keats@dal.ca
Phone: 1-902-494-7173
@ACCESS4WellnesLocation
6230 South Street
Halifax B3H 4R2
Alberta Cancer Exercise Program
Program Type
Clinic Out-Patient
Community
Program Description
All cancers, adults, pre, during, post, palliative care, and end of life treatment. Referred by oncologist, fixed duration of program (2 12 wk sessions), 2x/wk, group sessions. Instructors are exercise physiotherapists, physical therapists and qualified cancer exercise specialists. Program established in 2017.
Contact
Margaret McNeely
Email: mmcneely@ualberta.ca
Phone: -2558
Alberta Cancer Exercise Program
Program Type
Clinic Out-Patient
Community
Program Description
The Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) Program is a free 12-week community-based exercise program designed specifically for individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. ACE exercise instructors have received cancer-specific education and training. The ACE Program supplements current healthcare standards with additional exercise and activity opportunities for cancer survivors. Taking part in the ACE study offers opportunity to engage with other survivors and trained exercise professionals in a safe and supportive environment. Research findings from this study will support future development of sustainable community wellness programs for survivors
Contact
Margaret McNeely
Email: frmace@ualberta.ca
Phone: 780-492-6007
albertacancerexercise.comLocation
2-50 Corbett Hall
2-50 Corbett Hall
Edmonton T6G 2G4
Alberta Cancer Exercise Program; Thrive Program; Yoga Thrive; TrueNTH Lifestyle Management
Program Type
Community
Number Served per Year: 100
Program Description
All cancers, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, pre, during, post, and palliative care treatment. Referred by oncologist, fixed duration of program (2 12 wk sessions), 2x/wk, group sessions. Instructors are exercise physiotherapists and qualified cancer exercise specialists. Program established in 2006.
Contact
NIcole Culos-Reed
Email: nculosre@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 403-220-7540
Health, exercise, active living and therapeutic lifestyle (HEALTh) program
Program Type
Clinic Out-Patient
Number Served per Year: 120
Program Description
Breast cancer, adults, during and post treatment. Referred by oncologist, fixed duration of program (26 wks), 1x/wk, group sessions. Instructors are exercise physiologists. Program established in 2011.
Contact
Alis Bonsignore
Email: Alis.bonsignore@uhn.ca
Phone: 17789917234
InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care -Exercise Therapy program
Program Type
Community
Number Served per Year: 1500
Program Description
InspireHealth offers free of charge supportive cancer care, including exercise therapy. No referrals are required for participation, and all services are offered at no cost. Programs are open to all cancer diagnoses, adolescents, adults and older adults and at any point of a diagnosis, including pre-, during, post- treatments and surgeries and palliative patients. Program duration varies. Programs include individual assessments and consultations, and group programming including exercise, yoga, and Qi Gong, plus individualized exercise prescription. Sessions are available online through secure platform and in-person (post-COVID). Instructors are Clinical Exercise Physiologists and Kinesiologists. Program was established in 1997.
Contact
Rachel Mark
Email: rmark@inspirehealth.ca
Phone: 250-595-7125
British Columbia
Lab Health Physio Esquimalt BC
Program Type
Clinic Out-Patient
Community
Program Description
Tall Tree Cancer Rehab Clinical Services: Cancer Rehab Initial Assessment (45 minutes) Performed by a registered PINC&STEEL physiotherapist with advanced Cancer Rehab training, this session is necessary before commencing any cancer rehab program for safety reasons. A comprehensive orthopaedic and functional assessment will be completed, but most importantly, meaningful goals are discussed. Together, you and the physiotherapist will create a treatment plan that is best for the patient's individualized needs. Cancer Rehab Follow up (30-45 minutes) Offered in person or via tele-health. Depending on the patient's functional ability and goals, varying frequencies of follow ups cab be scheduled! Follow-ups typically include exercise prescription, education and some pain modification (manual therapy/IMS). Cancer Rehab Programs (weekly group based exercise) After having completed an Initial Assessment, patients will be fully prepared to join this group-based program running various times through out the year at multiple locations. Through meeting weekly with a registered physiotherapist in a group setting, the cancer rehab program offers social support, safe exercise, and accountability.
Contact
Nadine Stunzi
Email: nadine@talltreehealth.ca
Phone: 6043177870
www.talltreehealth.caLocation
5325 Cordova Bay Rd #140
Victoria, BC V8Y 2L3
Let’s Get Physical
Program Type
Community
Number Served per Year: 36
Program Description
This program is designed for breast cancer patients experiencing lymphedema. Activities include aqua fitness, strength and cardiovascular training, yoga and Pilates
Contact
Lori Orchard
Email: Lorchard@sogh.mb.ca
Phone: 294-632-3914
Www.wellnessinstitute.caLocation
1075 Leila Ave
Winnipeg R2V4W1
Nutrition and Exercise During Treatment (NEXT Program)
Program Type
Community
Home Based
Number Served per Year: 60
Program Description
Breast, prostate, other cancers, adults and older adults, during and post treatment. Referred by oncologist into research-focused variable duration programming, structured supervised gym or virtual sessions. Instructors are physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, registered dietitians, or otherwise trained to deliver the programs. Program established in 2008, 60 clients per year depending on program cycles. This is research-focused exercise and nutrition programming for people living with and beyond cancer.
Contact
Kristin Campbell
Email: kristin.campbell@ubc.ca
www.nextprogram.ca
Vancouver
PEER (Pediatric cancr patients and survivors Engaging in Exercise for Recovery)
Program Type
Clinic In-Patient
Clinic Out-Patient
Community
Number Served per Year: 50
Program Description
All cancers, children and adolescents, during, post and palliative care treatment. Referred by oncologist, variable duration of program, 1x/wk, group sessions. Instructors are qualified cancer exercise specialists. Program established in 2012.
Contact
CAROLINA CHAMORRO
Email: cchamorro@kidscancer.ab.ca
Phone: (+1) 4038912900
PEER program (Pediatric cancer patients and survivors Engaging in Exercise for Recovery)
Program Type
Cancer Exercise Professional
Community
Digital Online
Home Based
Number Served per Year: Around 60
Program Description
PEER stands for Pediatric cancer patients and survivors Engaging in Exercise for Recovery. The PEER program is an evidence-based exercise program developed ten years ago in (2012) by the Health and Wellness Lab at the University of Calgary and approved by the Section of Hematology and Oncology at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. PEER was developed by a multidisciplinary team lead by Drs. Carolina Chamorro Vina & Nicole Culos- Reed. The program is supported by an interdisciplinary team of pediatric oncology specialists from the Alberta Children’s Hospital and aligns with contemporary evidence-based scientific research. PEER is a community-based exercise program designed to improve recovery and enhance the quality of life for children affected by cancer. The program aims to restore healthy levels of strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility, coordination, balance and physical literacy through fun exercises and games. PEER is offered to all kids between 2 and 18 years old. The program is offer in person and online in a group-based format or one to one. The program is offered at Kids Cancer Care Foundation and does not have any cost for families
Contact
Carolina Chamorro Vina
Email: cchamorro@kidscancercare.ab.ca
Phone: 1 403 9841218
https://kidscancercare.ab.ca/our-programs/family-outreach/peer---outreach-page.htmlLocation
5757 4th street SE
Calgary AL T2H 1K8
Physical Activity Services for Cancer
Program Type
Program Description
All cancers, adolescents, adults and older adults, pre, during, post, and palliative care treatment. Referred by oncologist, variable duration of program, individual sessions. Instructors are exercise physiologists. Program established in 2018
Contact
Normand
Email: normandrichard@hotmail.com
PhysioCARE+ Cancer Rehabiliation
Program Type
Community
Program Description
Individualized exercise prescription for all types of cancers and phases. Pre-hab, during treatment, following treatment. Variable frequency depending on client's needs (1x a week with home exercise component, 3x a week in-clinic). Variable duration depending on client's individual status, needs and goals. Group sessions available, Strength After Breast Cancer. Instructor is registered Physiotherapist with certification in cancer rehabilitation.
Contact
Denise Dreikluft
Email: denise@physiocareplus.com
Phone: 431-338-7587
physiocareplus.comLocation
320-1600 Ness Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 3W7
Prostate Cancer Dragon Boat Team - Butts in a Boat
Program Type
Community
Number Served per Year: 35
Program Description
We are a group of men from Vancouver, Canada and the surrounding metropolitan area, who have had a prostate cancer diagnosis. This Dragon Boat team is the first crew in Canada made up entirely of Prostate Cancer survivors. Our mandate is to provide a healthy vehicle and environment for us to foster teamwork, camaraderie, physical fitness and prostate cancer awareness. We believe that there is life after diagnosis and demonstrate it though our active participation in the strenuous demands of dragon boat paddling. Fitness and exercise are shown to be of great value in the fight against cancer. We have fun and push the limits of our physical endurance and fight the good fight. If you have had a prostate cancer diagnosis, email vince@schiralli.com to join our crew.
Contact
Vince Schiralli
Email: vince@schiralli.com
Phone: 604-551-7931
www.buttsinaboat.caLocation
511-3602 Aldercrest Drive
Vancouver v7g0a2
Prostate Cancer Supportive Care (PCSC) program
Program Type
Clinic Out-Patient
Number Served per Year: 100
Program Description
Urological cancer, adults and older adults, pre, during, post, palliative care, and end of life treatment. Referred by oncologist, variable duration of program, 1-2x/wk, group sessions. Instructors are exercise physiologists and qualified cancer exercise specialists. Program established in 2015.
Contact
Sarah Weller
Email: sweller@prostatecentre.com
Phone: 1 7783190866
Sensational Survivors
Program Type
Community
Number Served per Year: 80
Program Description
All cancers, adults and older adults, pre, during, post, palliative care, and end of life treatment. Referred by oncologist, fixed duration of program (6 wks), 2x/wk, group sessions. Instructors are volunteers and fitness instructors. Program established in 2006.
Contact
Jen Edgecombe
Email: Jedgecombe@kamloops.ca
Phone: 250.828.3742
SIRvivor BC
Program Type
Community
Digital Online
Home Based
Research Study
Number Served per Year: 60
Program Description
SIRvivor BC is an exercise program tailored to men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, in any stage of treatment or recovery. It focuses on strength development through resistance-based exercise, also including activities for cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and balance. The program is modifiable for all fitness levels and is delivered by BC Parks & Recreation Association fitness instructors trained in leading exercise for men with cancer.
SIRvivor BC is available at community centres and virtually through Zoom, with small classes sizes allowing the fitness instructor to modify exercises according to each participant’s abilities. The province-wide virtual program requires no exercise equipment and uses body weight for resistance. The program runs for 6 to 12 weeks with 2 one-hour sessions each week, helping men meet the recommended exercise guidelines and offering camaraderie with a community of men who share similar experiences. Resistance-based training may also help combat some side effects of long-term prostate cancer treatment, such as decreased muscle strength and bone density.
To be eligible, you must be 19 years of age or older, have had a prostate cancer diagnosis, and pass a pre-exercise phone screening with a certified exercise physiologist.
Contact
Kristin Campbell
Email: sirvivor.bc@ubc.ca
Phone: 604-827-1914
www.cepl.rehab.med.ubc.ca/research-2/sirvivor-bc/Location
2177 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver V6T 1Z3
Treloar Physio Cancer Recovery Exercise Program
Program Type
Community
Number Served per Year: 100
Program Description
All cancers, adolescents, adults and older adults, pre, during, post, palliative care, and end of life treatment. Referred by oncologist, variable duration of program, 3x/wk, individual and group sessions. Instructors are exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, qualified cancer exercise specialists. Program established in 2016.
Contact
Sarah Weller
Email: sarahweller@treloarphysio.com
Phone: 778-319-0866
UW WELL-FIT
Program Type
Community
Number Served per Year: 200
Program Description
UW WELL-FIT is a portfolio of evidence based exercise programs for individuals who are currently or have previously undergone treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, surgery) for various types of cancers. Since its inception in 2002, UW WELL-FIT has helped over 2000 individuals in the Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding communities improve their quality of life through participation in supervised exercise. The UW WELL-FIT portfolio is comprised of three different programs: START-FIT - 12 week program focused on restoring and improving the physiological well-being of individuals on chemotherapy, radiation or hormonal therapy treatment STAY-FIT - extension for those who have completed START-FIT LIVING-FIT - six week, small group program for women undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy for breast cancer The programs offered within the UW WELL-FIT portfolio are part of a comprehensive cancer recovery strategy and serve as a model for organizations interested in starting an exercise program for individuals undergoing treatment for cancer.
Contact
Caryl Russell
Email: crussell@uwaterloo.ca
Phone: 519-888-4567 ext 363
https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-community-clinical-applied-research-excellence/Location
Toby Jenkins Health Research Building
340 Hagey Boulevard
Waterloo Ontario N2L 6R6
Women's Rehab
Program Type
Community
Program Description
Exercise therapy is designed to incorporate everyday tasks and specific exercises in areas meaningful to each person’s life, with an overall goal of functional independence. This client-specific treatment plan allows individuals to perform their activities of daily life more easily. This program works with people during cancer rehab and also pre/post surgery, chronic disease and injuries of all types. What are the benefits of exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment ? Jenna can help you set achievable goals, minimize side effects of treatment, modify post-surgery exercises, rehab range of motion issues and strength, customize a plan just for you, ensure proper exercise technique, return to work or daily activities. She has worked with all types of cancer survivors since 2009. Through coaching and correct training, she has safely guided many people back to their normal daily lives. Jenna specializes in all types of cancer and have experience helping women through breast, cervical and ovarian cancers. She sees people one-on-one or in small group sessions. If you live out of town or prefer to exercise at home, she can design a program specialized for you to reduce chronic pain and help you stay healthy, youthful and active for a lifetime. Before attending a group class, she asks that you contact her for a private one-on-one session, so she can assess you and get a proper health history.
Contact
Jenna Leib
Email: jennaleibrehab@gmail.com
Phone: 306.779.1275
www.jennaleib.comLocation
1455 Rose st
Regina S4R 2A1
