Online and in-person exercise programs for cancer survivors in Canada

Sustainable Implementation of the EXCEL Exercise Oncology Program Across Canada

This study is testing whether online and in-person exercise programs can help cancer survivors in Canada stay active and improve their health.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 740 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Calgary (other)
• Drugs / interventions: radiation
• Locations: 5 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 4 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06960291 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The EXCEL program aims to provide tailored online and in-person exercise programs for individuals living with and beyond cancer across Canada. This initiative addresses the lack of cancer-specific exercise programs and trained specialists by offering community-based solutions to improve physical activity levels among cancer survivors. The program will streamline participant intake and simplify outcome assessments to enhance accessibility and engagement. By fostering stronger relationships with healthcare providers, the EXCEL program seeks to promote a patient-centered approach to cancer care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with cancer or are currently undergoing treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a cancer diagnosis or are unable to participate in mild exercise will not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the physical fitness and overall well-being of cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar exercise oncology programs, indicating a positive impact on the health of cancer survivors.

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

Where this trial is running

Calgary, Alberta and 4 other locations

• University of Calgary — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (RECRUITING)
• University of British Columbia — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (RECRUITING)
• Nova Scotia Health Authority — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (RECRUITING)
• University of Toronto — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
• Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Nicole Culos-Reed, PhD — University of Calgary
• Study coordinator: Julianna Dreger, PhD

Conditions: Cancer, Prostate Cancers, Breast Cancers, Colon Cancer, Lung Cancers, Exercise oncology, Exercise, Physical activity