The Cancer Exercise & Physiotherapy Lab is focused on understanding the role of exercise in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation from chronic disease in humans, particularly cancer prevention, rehabilitation and survivorship. Emerging evidence suggests that up to 30% of cancers could be prevented by being physically active and maintaining a healthy body weight. In addition, low levels of physical activity and high rates of obesity put cancer survivors, particularly of breast and colon cancers, at a higher risk for cancer recurrence, and developing other chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Furthermore, with continuing improvement in survival from cancer, due to early detection and treatment advances, there is an increasing focus on rehabilitation interventions to improve the persistent side effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue.
The research in the lab spans from efficacy studies to knowledge translation. The efficacy studies aim to better understand the beneficial effects of exercise or energy balance on relevant outcomes, which in turn inform the testing of the most effective interventions in a clinical setting, using clinical trial methodology. Finally, the lab is committed to undertaking research to translate evidence into clinical practice.
Overall, the lab is focused on: clinically relevant research, collaborative linkages, innovative mechanistic research studies, trainee mentorship, and commitment to knowledge translation.
Mission Statement
The Cancer Exercise & Physiotherapy Lab aims to develop, test, and implement physiotherapy and exercise interventions that support people living with and beyond cancer in managing treatment side effects and enhancing their quality of life. Through partnering with these individuals, caregivers, and healthcare providers and administrators, we advocate for the better integration of physiotherapy and exercise programs into standard cancer care, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and overall well-being for those living with and beyond cancer.
Affiliations:
- BCCA Survivorship Research Centre
- School of Population and Public Health
- Interdisciplinary Oncology Program
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