Alberta researcher Dr. Nicole Culus-Reed is in Regina on November 16, 2022 to speak about the EXCEL study, an exercise-based oncology program that aims to help cancer patients with recovery and rehabilitation. Photo by KAYLE NEIS /Regina Leader-Post
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Nicole Culus-Reed hopes new research can change the way oncologists consider the role of exercise in cancer treatment plans.
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“Most people think of exercise in terms of fitness, which is going to make people fitter, stronger, lose weight,” Culus-Reed, a researcher at the University of Calgary, said in an interview Wednesday. “But it’s really more than that.”
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The researcher took an in-depth look at prescribed physical activity as a valuable tool in the treatment of cancer patients and the recovery process after treatment. As part of her work, Culus-Reed is currently leading a nationwide study called the EXCEL program, or Cancer Exercise to Enhance Good Living. The study involves a series of 12-week exercise classes designed specifically for people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, delivered online by trainers.
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It’s part of a presentation Culus-Reed made to health professionals and members of the public in Regina on Wednesday, in partnership with local cancer support group InPower. The goal is wellness with a direct line to improve a person’s well-being, he explained. Her focus has been on examining and developing physical activity programs to support oncology patients at every stage of treatment. It’s no surprise to health professionals to hear that physical activity has positive benefits, Culus-Reed said, but it’s not usually a tool often associated with cancer treatment. “If exercise came in pill form, it would be the most prescribed pill in the country,” he said. He talks about prescribing physical exercise like medicine, but specifically tailored to the needs and capabilities of the patient. It’s not a new idea, he said, noting that it’s a tool in cardiac rehabilitation and a common theme in public health campaigns.
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Her research finds it to be a beneficial addition to current strategies used to help cancer patients before, during and after treatment, as a supplement and recovery tool. According to Culus-Reed, studies focusing on physical activity in cancer patients have shown that physical activity can relieve pain, reduce the negative effects of changing body composition, and help with stress, anxiety and depression. depression. He said there is even evidence that it provides benefits in long-term survival outcomes. “It’s really about using exercise as a supportive resource in cancer care, to improve physical, psychological and emotional well-being in all individuals throughout the cancer journey.” Just over half of the participants are people who are currently in the middle of cancer treatment, Culus-Reed said, and with a mix of diagnosis types and stages of recovery.
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He said that in addition to the physical benefits, researchers see the value of connecting people to programs like EXCEL, as it creates a support system. Culus-Reed said the idea of prescribing an exercise plan to patients isn’t on the radar for most oncology groups, but her hope is to plant a seed of interest by sharing her research. It seeks to raise awareness among cancer specialists and treatment staff, as well as patients and survivors. “The long-term goal is to integrate exercise into cancer care systems,” he said. “But the shorter-term goal is to educate patients and inform them about this option.” [email protected] The news seems to be flying at us faster and faster. From COVID-19 updates to politics and crime and everything in between, it can be hard to keep up. With that in mind, the Regina Leader-Post created one Afternoon headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox to make sure you’re up to date with the most important news of the day. Click here to register.
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