Development of an evidence-based exercise and education cancer recovery program

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and distressing side effects experienced by patients with cancer. Increased activity and exercise have been shown to significantly impact cancer-related fatigue and are beneficial during and after treatment. This article describes the development and implementation of a 12-week evidence-based exercise and education program for cancer survivors in a community medical center. Participants consistently reported significant improvements in fatigue, depression, sleep disturbances, pain, and quality of life. The improvements were independent of the type of cancer, extent of disease, or treatment status. Additional benefits described by participants were support, a sense of belonging, and being understood.