Published Articles
December 2016 – Community-Based Exercise Programs for Cancer Survivors
By Rita Musanti, PhD and Brittany Murley, MSN, RN, Rutgers University, Published Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, Supplement to Vol 20, No. 6, December 2016.
Cancer exercise programs within the community have risen to meet the needs of cancer survivors through the dedicated work of professionals and survivors working together to improve lives. The longevity of these programs, such as the ones presented in this article, (i.e. FitSteps for Life®) have become a tribute to these efforts. A recognition of the importance of physical activity programming is clearly demonstrated by the consensus of the prominent cancer-related government and professional organizations that physical activity be promoted in cancer survivors. In addition, cancer exercise researchers have urged providers to continue their efforts to develop programming that embraces new technologies and data systems relevant to cancer survivors and extends the ability to support the maintenance of a physically active lifestyle in cancer survivors.
Community-Based Exercise Programs for Cancer Survivors
December, 2016 – Incorporating Exercise Into the Cancer Treatment Paradigm
By Gary Kimmel, MD, Barbara K. Haas, PhD, and Melinda Hermanns, PhD, The University of Texas at Tyler; and Cancer Foundation for Life, Tyler, TX, Published Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, Supplement to Vol 20, No. 6, December 2016.
The research that supports the benefits of exercise for the general population has also demonstrated that exercise is effective in the population of patients receiving treatment for cancer. Exercise provides numerous benefits to patients with cancer, and it may also prevent occurrence and recurrence of cancer. It is now up to healthcare providers from all disciplines, including oncology nurses, to translate this science into practice and make exercise a standard of care in cancer treatment.
Incorporating Exercise Into the Cancer Treatment Paradigm
July/August 2014 – The Role of Exercise in Cancer Treatment: Bridging the Gap
By Gary Kimmel, MD, Barbara K. Haas, PhD, and Melinda Hermanns, PhD, The University of Texas at Tyler; and Cancer Foundation for Life, Tyler, TX, Published American College of Sports Medicine, Current Sports Medicine Reports, Vol. 13, issue 4 July/August 2014.
Major stakeholders in cancer management recommend that exercise be provided for cancer patients during and following treatment. The rationale and method for the establishment of exercise as a beneficial cancer treatment were presented. Implementation of exercise as cancer treatment is illustrated from the experience of a community-based FitSteps for Life® model. A Standard of Care Model was recommended to bridge the gap between the scientific evidence of exercise benefits and its lack of incorporation as a routine treatment in oncology practice. Failure to provide such a model to oncologists makes the incorporation of an optimally beneficial exercise intervention into clinical practice problematic. An action plan has been proposed to achieve this initiative. It is time for exercise to play a major role in cancer treatment.
CSMR The Role of Exercise in Cancer Treatment: Bridging the Gap
November, 2012 – Community-Based FitSTEPS for Life Exercise Program for Persons with Cancer: 5-Year Evaluation
By Barbara K. Haas, PhD, Gary Kimmel, MD, Melinda Hermanns, PhD, and Belinda Deal, PhD The University of Texas at Tyler; and Cancer Foundation for Life, Tyler, TX Published Journal of Oncology Practice Vol. 8, issue 6 Nov. 2012
This article describes the effects of the community-based program, Cancer Foundation For Life®, of exercise on the quality of life (QOL) of persons over time. The research from the 5-year study introduces the concept of a long-term community-based program of individualized exercise as a feasibly and effective intervention to improve the QOL for persons with all stages of cancer. Improvements, noted at the 3-month time point, appear to be sustainable for extended time (24 months). Results from this study have significance for practice recommendations and health policy reimbursement issues.
Community-Based FitSTEPS for Life Exercise Program for Persons With Cancer: 5-Year Evaluation
July, 2011 – Model for a Community-Based Exercise Program for Cancer Survivors: Taking Patient Care to the Next Level
By Barbara K. Haas, PhD, RN, and Gary Kimmel, MD, College of Nursing, University of Texas at Tyler; Cancer Foundation For Life, Tyler, TX, Published Journal of Oncology Practice Vol. 7 Issue 4 July 2011
This article describes the development and refinement of a not-for-profit, community-based exercise program, the Cancer Foundation For Life® (CFFL), designed to improve quality of life (QOL) for persons with cancer, regardless of type or stage of disease. The CFFL program provides a cost-effective and safe exercise program for persons with all types and stages of cancer that meets the recommended guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine.