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home / 世界杯决赛2022

researcher talks value of exercise to benefit sask. cancer patients

“it's really about using exercise as a supportive cancer care resource, to improve patients' (well-being)."

by larissa kurz
published nov 17, 2022
read time 3 minute read
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read time 3 minute read
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alberta researcher dr. nicole culus-reed is in regina on nov. 16, 2022 to talk about her excel study, an exercise-based oncology program that aims to help cancer patients during recovery and rehabilitation. kayle neis / regina leader-post
nicole culus-reed hopes new research may change the way oncology experts consider the role of physical exercise in cancer treatment plans. “most people think of exercise in terms of fitness, something that’s going to make people fitter, stronger, lose weight,” culus-reed, a researcher from the university of calgary, said in an interview wednesday. “but it’s really more than that.”
the researcher has taken an in-depth look at prescribed physical activity as a valuable tool in treatment of cancer patients and the post-treatment recovery process.
as part of her work, culus-reed is currently the lead on a nation-wide study called the excel, or exercise for cancer to enhance living well, program.
the study involves a 12-week series of exercise classes specifically designed for people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, delivered online by instructors.
it’s a piece of the presentation that culus-reed made to healthcare professionals and to 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 improving a person’s well-being, she explained. her focus has been on examining and developing physical activity programs to support oncology patients in every stage of treatment.
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it’s no surprise to health care professionals to hear that physical activity has positive benefits, said culus-reed, but it’s not typically a tool often linked with cancer treatment.
“if exercise came in a pill form, it would be the most prescribed pill in the country,” she said.
she’s talking about prescribing physical exercise like a medication, but specifically tailored to a patient’s needs and capabilities. it’s not a new concept, she said, noting that it’s a tool in cardiac rehabilitation and a common topic in public health campaigns.
her research is finding that it’s a beneficial addition to current strategies used to help cancer patients before, during and after treatment, as a supplement and rehabilitation tool.
according to culus-reed, studies focused on physical activity in oncology patients have shown that physical activity can alleviate pain, diminish negative effects of changing body composition and help with stress, anxiety and depression.
she said there has even been evidence that it provides benefits in long-term survival outcomes.
“it’s really about using exercise as a supportive cancer care resource, to improve physical, psychological and emotional well-being in all individuals across the cancer journey.”
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just over half of the participants are individuals who are currently in the midst of cancer treatment, said culus-reed, and with a mix of diagnosis types and stages of recovery.
she said in addition to the physical benefits, researchers are seeing the value of connecting people together in programs like excel, as it creates a support system.
culus-reed said the idea of prescribing an exercise plan to patients is not on the radar for most oncology teams, but her hope is to plant a seed of interest by sharing her research. she’s looking to cultivate awareness in cancer experts and treatment staff, but also in patients and survivors.
“the long-term goal is to build exercise into cancer care systems,” she said. “but the shorter goal is to make patients aware and inform them about this option.”
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larissa kurz
larissa kurz

larissa kurz is a health, education and general assignment reporter for the regina leader-post, whose work has also appeared in the saskatoon starphoenix and other postmedia papers.she is a university of saskatchewan alumni and has written for both print and digital news outlets in southern saskatchewan since 2019. she was part of the leader-post and starphoenix team that won the 2022 national newspaper award for breaking news.prior to coming to the leader-post in 2022, larissa worked for the moose jaw express and with glacier media in moose jaw and regina, sask.

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