“Research continues to show that staying active before, during, and after cancer treatment can improve strength, reduce treatment side effects, and greatly support emotional well-being,” says Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society (ACS). “Every person should have the opportunity to take an active role in their health and recovery.”

The collaboration takes a two-pronged approach.

• National awareness campaign. The awareness campaign will deliver educational resources, digital content, and industry engagement opportunities to help fitness professionals better understand how to safely and effectively work with individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.

• Exercise Oncology Grants Program. These grants will provide funding to select fitness facilities to support staff training, program development, and implementation of exercise oncology services. Facilities will also participate in a structured learning network to share best practices and implementation strategies.

“The evidence is clear that physical activity can play a powerful role in improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with and beyond cancer,” says Greta Wagner, HFA interim president and CEO. “This partnership is about bridging the gap between what we know works and what people can actually access, by equipping fitness professionals with the tools and training to meet this need in communities across the country.”