Sustainable Implementation of the EXCEL Exercise Oncology Program Across Canada

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY · Apr 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The EXCEL Exercise Oncology Program is a clinical trial aimed at helping people living with cancer, including prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancers, to incorporate exercise into their daily lives. This program offers both online and in-person exercise classes designed to be safe and manageable for individuals with a cancer diagnosis. The goal is to improve physical fitness and overall well-being during and after cancer treatment. Researchers will evaluate how effective this community-based program is in making exercise more accessible and appealing to cancer survivors across Canada.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have a history of cancer. This includes those currently receiving treatment or those who have completed treatment within the past three years. Participants should be capable of engaging in low-intensity exercise, and they must be able to provide consent in English or French. The program lasts for 8 to 12 weeks and involves attending exercise classes twice a week, either in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for anyone looking to improve their fitness and health while connecting with others who understand the challenges of living with cancer.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • have or had a diagnosis of cancer;
• • be 18 years or older;
• • be able to participate in low-intensity levels of activity, at minimum;
• • be pretreatment, or receiving active cancer treatment (i.e., surgery, systemic therapy and radiation therapy), have received cancer treatment within the past 3 years, or if beyond 3 years since treatment completion, have a referral from their healthcare team indicating they have side effects from cancer treatment or the cancer itself, that could be improved or managed with exercise;
• • be able to provide informed written consent in English or French
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • does not or did not have a cancer diagnosis
• • is under the age of 18
• • is unable to participate in mild exercise, at minimum
• • is not pretreatment, or receiving active cancer treatment (i.e., surgery, systemic therapy and radiation therapy), has not received cancer treatment within the past 3 years, or if beyond 3 years since treatment completion, doesn't have side effects from cancer treatment or the cancer itself, that could be improved or managed with exercise
• • unable to read/write in English
• • for online programs, does not have internet or computer access