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mid age man exercising at the beach

Exercise and Prostate Cancer

/22 December 2023/ All MFN blog/

The rising rate of prostate cancer necessitates developing better methods to prevent and treat prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among U.S. men, according to the American Cancer Society. The country’s 3.3 million prostate cancer survivors account for 21 percent of all cancer survivors.

There are many reasons why a cancer patient should stay as active as possible through cancer treatment and recovery. I will begin by pointing out a few studies that show how exercise can benefit cancer patients. These studies demonstrate how exercise can reduce certain side effects from treatment, increase energy, decrease stress, and improve quality of life.

There is evidence to support the use of exercise in prostate treatment. Exercise plays a role in the all-around improved physical and mental health and therefore should be considered in the treatment plan. We know that exercise can decrease recurrence for some cancers and the role it plays in weight control, which is correlated with some cancers. For prostate cancer specifically, data indicates that obesity increases the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, and thus mortality. Men receiving androgen deprivation therapy are at higher risk for depression. Exercise reduces depression.

Studies do have their limitations. Some use self-reported data about lifestyle and exercise. Moreover, there may be a low number of minority participants who may often have higher cancer rates. The following are a few of the published studies, which confirm that exercise should be included in the treatment plan for prostate cancer patients.

Studies have suggested that patients with high levels of physical activity had a lower rate of disease progression and also reduced mortality from prostate cancer. Ying Wang, PhD, a senior epidemiologist in the Epidemiology Research Program at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, and colleagues analyzed data on 10,067 men diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer between 1992 and 2011. Men with prostate cancer, which hasn’t spread may have longer survival the more they exercise. A study demonstrated that men who were the most physically active had a 34% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer when compared with men who were the least physically active. Men who either maintained or increased their exercise level also benefited. Prostate cancer patients who kept up a moderate to high level of physical activity also had better survival prognoses compared with their more sedentary counterparts. Those men who were more active before diagnosis were more likely to have lower-risk cancer tumors and a history of prostate screenings. They were also leaner, more likely to be nonsmokers and vitamin users and they ate more fish. Wang concludes, “Our results support evidence that prostate cancer survivors should adhere to physical activity guidelines, and suggest that physicians should consider promoting a physically active lifestyle to their prostate cancer patients.”

Androgen Deprivation Therapy leads to numerous side effects, which can be decreased through exercise. Side effects of ADT include loss of muscle, increase in fat mass and osteoporosis. Risk for diabetes and heart disease also increases. Brian Focht, reported at the November AICR convention, that functional ability increased dramatically as did quality of life for those that exercise, and side effects of ADT were reversed.

Exercise can decrease blood sugar levels, which lower insulin levels and also helps to lower inflammation. There does appear to be a positive association between insulin levels, inflammation and prostate cancer risk.

The evidence for physical activity in reducing anxiety and depression, while increasing general-well being is fairly substantial. Improving well-being can have a dramatic beneficial effect on sexual function. Consistent exercise will also help to lower insulin, blood sugar, and improve overall cardiovascular health, all of which have positive impact on erectile dysfunction and libido ().

In 2016, Rider and Wilson studied the connection between ejaculation and prostate cancer, which was published in European Urology. Men that reported higher ejaculatory frequency were less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer . This study showed a beneficial role of frequent ejaculation particularly for low-risk disease.

Some doctors have traditionally told patients to rest during this time but Favil Singh’s research confirms the importance of getting fit prior to surgery. Singh’s research published in the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies has shown that a regular dose of physical activity prior to surgery helps the recovery process. This reduces time in the hospital.

Singh stated “This is the first time we’ve been able to demonstrate the benefits of ‘pre-habilitation’ for prostate cancer patients. It is safe, side effect-free and can be done while undergoing chemo or radiotherapy. Just two sessions a week of resistance and exercise training for six weeks can make a difference to recovery.”

Often, there is a waiting period in between diagnosis and surgery. If fitness level can be improved before surgery the patient, then the patient goes into the surgery stronger and may have a better recovery.

The American Cancer Society and American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. This advice is a good goal for those who have been inactive. Unfortunately, in my view this is insufficient for a significant number of cancer patients. Having worked with cancer patients for over 20 years, I believe that this recommendation needs to be changed. It is impossible to include aerobic exercise, strength training, and other exercise methods in the current recommended time frame.

Carol J. Michaels is the founder and creator of Recovery Fitness® LLC, located in Short Hills, New Jersey. Her programs are designed to help cancer survivors in recovery through exercise programs. Carol, an award winning fitness and exercise specialist, has over 17 years of experience as a fitness professional and as a cancer exercise specialist. Visit her website, carolmichaelsfitness.com

References

Steven C. Moore PhD, et al, Association of Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Risk of 26 Types of Cancer in 1.44 Million Adults. JAMA Intern Med. 2016; 176(6): 816-825.

Lynch B.M., Dunstan D.W., Vallance J.K., Owen N. Don’t take cancer sitting down: A new survivorship research agenda. Cancer. 2013, Jun 1; 119(11): 1928-35 Medicine

Kristina H. Karvinen, Kerry S. Courneya, Scott North and Peter Venner, Associations between Exercise and Quality of Life in Bladder Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Study, Cancer Epidemiology and Biomarkers Prevention May 2007, 10.1158/1055-9965

Gopalakrishna et al, Lifestyle factors and health-related quality of life in bladder cancer survivors: a systematic review. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 2016 (5): 874-82

Vallance, J., Spark, L., & Eakin, E.. Exercise behavior, motivation, and maintenance among cancer survivors. In Exercise, Energy Balance, and Cancer (2013) (pp. 215-231). Springer

Cannioto et al., The association of lifetime physical inactivity with bladder and renal cancer risk: A hospital-based case-control analysis, Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 49 August 2017

Cramp F, Byron-Daniel J. Exercise for the management of cancer-related fatigue in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012; 14(11): CD006145.

Booth FW, et al., Lack of exercise is a major cause of chronic diseases. Compr Physiol. 2012 Apr; 2(2): 1143-211.

Stephanie Cash et al, Recreational physical activity and risk of papillary thyroid cancer among women in the California Teachers Study. Cancer Epidemiology, Feb 2013,37(1): 46-53

Hwang, Yunji MS; Lee, Kyu Eun MD, PhD; Park, Young Joo MD, PhD; et al, Annual Average Changes in Adult Obesity as a Risk Factor for Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Large-Scale Case-Control Study, Medicine, March 2016, Mar; 95(9): e2893

Cao Y, Ma J. Body mass index, prostate cancer-specific mortality, and biochemical recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2011; 4: 486-501.

Galvao, et al. Combined resistance and aerobic exercise program reverses muscle loss in men undergoing androgen suppression therapy for prostate cancer without bone metastases: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Jan 10; 28(2): 340-7.

Galvao, et al. Exercise can prevent and even reverse adverse effects of androgen suppression treatment in men with prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2007; 10(4):340-6.

Winters-Stone KM, et al. Resistance training reduces disability in prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy: evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 Jan; 96(1): 7-14.

Giovannucci EL, Liu Y, Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC. A prospective study of physical activity and incident and fatal prostate cancer. Arch Intern Med. 2005; 165: 1005-1010.

Storer TW, Miciek R, Travison TG. Muscle function, physical performance and body composition changes in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. Asian J Androl. 2012, Mar; 14(2): 204-21.

Focht, Brian C.; Lucas, Alexander R.; Grainger, Elizabeth; Simpson, Christina; Fairman, Ciaran M.; Thomas-Ahner, Jennifer; Clinton, Steven K., Effects of a Combined Exercise and Dietary Intervention on Mobility Performance in Prostate Cancer, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. May 2016:48(5S): 515.

Rider J, Wilson K.et al. Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow up, European Urology. December 2016, volume 70, issue 6

Singh F. et al. Feasibility of Presurgical Exercise in Men With Prostate Cancer Undergoing Prostatectomy, Integrative Cancer Therapies (2016). DOI: 10.1177/1534735416666373

Wang et al, Recreational Physical Activity in Relation to Prostate Cancer–specific Mortality Among Men with Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer. European Urology July 2017 online bit.ly/2tXMK6Y

Essential oil made from medicinal cannabis

An Introduction to Cannabis’s Role as an Emerging Therapeutic Agent

/20 October 2023/ All MFN blog/

With cannabis becoming increasingly mainstream in modern culture, its population is becoming aware of its use for a number of purported medical reasons ranging from skin ailments to digestive issues and pain. California has recently allowed its recreational use. Today, the industry is still nascent with a market of ill-vetted products with equally nascent scientific claims. However, cannabis may be unique in its application to holistic care as mediated by the endocannabinoid system and thus it is prudent to know what is useful and what isn’t.

The history of cannabis use is ancient and has resulted in many breeds of cannabis which differ in the phytocannabinoid content, ratio and terpene profile. Cannabinoids are molecules that act on cannabinoid receptors that comprise the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system modulates the psychological stress, emotionality and inflammation responses. CB1 and CB2 are examples of receptors within this system whose span is diverse, for example, they are found in the brain, gut and persist in osteoarthritic cartilage despite degradation grade. Interaction with these receptors can occur through phytocannabinoids; each of which has differing effects. To complicate matters, phytocannabinoids influence the effects of one another. Furthermore, the method of delivery also influences the effects; for example, ingestion allows the liver time to process phytocannabinoids into its derivatives which have their own effects.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two well-known examples of phytocannabinoids. THC has claims to work as an analgesic, antiemetic and antispastic; although, adverse effects include paranoia, lethargy, and tachycardia. THC can also induce euphoria which may play a role in how the analgesic properties work. CBD has claims to work as an anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic and works to block the binding of THC to CB1 and CB2 receptors. The interplay that cannabinoids have on one another has led to the notion of the “entourage effect.” (The idea that cannabis plant as a whole has curative effects.) Pharmacologically speaking, only a combination of THC and CBD, in a 1:1 formulation, manufactured by G.W. Pharmaceuticals has been vetted for its medical claims.

From oils and tinctures to hash and kush, the recreational market has driven into existence a myriad of products with a myriad of claims akin to the early days of the dietary supplement market. Assuming the source comes from one that complies with the current regulation, medical cannabis falls into three categories: plant, processed and formulations. Plant products refer to cannabis products in which the cannabinoids have not been altered and removed from the cannabis plant. These products use no heat or chemicals in their preparation and include: buds, keef, hash.

Processed products apply heat or chemicals to the cannabis plant in order to remove desired terpenes and cannabinoids. Processed products include oils, tinctures, e-juice, etc. and can be assumed to contain a higher percentage of cannabinoids in natural and unnatural ratios. Formulations are processed products whose consistency in manufacturing and medical claims have been vetted by the FDA. Formulations include products like Sativex and Epidiolex. Of course, marketing practices blurs the usage of terms; therefore, it is incumbent of the self to understand the product.

Jakub Pritz, Ph.D. has been working in the cannabis industry since 2015 as a separation operator and consultant for the production of recreational cannabis oils and other cannabis-related products.  He can attest to current cannabis production methods and what the person should be aware of.  His interest is to create botanical extracts of cannabis to be delivered in differing modalities depending on the effects sought and data affirmation.  For example dosage control in inhalation for acute pain relief, transdermal applications for arthritic pain and oral methods for digestive symptoms.  Patrons should be aware of the euphoric effects of THC and the interactions cannabinoids have with one another in varying ratios.   

Prior to this, Jakub held a post-doctoral position at UCSD’s Moore’s Cancer Center where he was in charge of data management and accruing international radiation oncology centers to join the International Evaluation of Radiotherapy Technology Effectiveness in Cervical Cancer (INTERTECC).  This trial required the coordination of several centers to follow strict data collection standards, quality checking of the institution capabilities and implementation of plan protocol.  He received his Ph.D. in Applied Physics (concentration in Medical Physics) from the University of South Florida in 2011.

As an athlete, Jakub competed in the Patriot League as a swimmer, setting records along the way.  During his graduate school years at the University of South Florida, he participated in, coached and competed with their water polo club.

Senior man in a gym talking to personal trainer

Where to Begin When You Are Working Out With a Health Condition

/11 September 2023/ All MFN blog/

The gym can be a confusing place especially for individuals with health concerns. Many times, these clients are trying to navigate their workouts by themselves because they are unsure of the appropriate questions that they need to ask.

First of all, there are two different types of trainers. There are trainers who have a four year degree and certifications. These trainers are sometimes called Fitness Specialists and have had many hours of study related to a wide variety of diseases and injuries. They are used to modifying exercises and programs based on any specific condition you may have. Fitness Specialists are usually found in a medically based fitness facility affiliated with a hospital. Please note that some Fitness Specialists will specialize in a certain area. Some work with individuals with diseases and disabilities and some don’t. You can search the free MedFit Network directory to find a fitness pro in your area. In their MFN profile, you’ll find information about their condition-specific education and services.

When you finally narrow down who you might like to hire you will want to ask some questions. Please don’t be afraid to ask these questions as they will help you to decide which trainer is right for you. It is also recommended that you observe Fitness Specialists training clients.

First you want to make sure that the trainer has had experience with your condition. If not, they should be willing to research it and or speak with your doctor with your permission. There are exercise guidelines that all Fitness Specialists should follow when working with clients who have health conditions.

You will also want to ask about the trainers background. It is alright to ask about education, certifications, and years of experience. You also want to hire someone who is patient with you. This is extremely important as you figure out which exercises work best for your body. I would also like to add that you need to be patient with yourself as well. Try to relax and enjoy your training session.

Asking the questions from above help to keep you feeling confident. Exercise can seem frustrating in the beginning but you have to keep a positive mindset. In the beginning, set small goals and do the best you can during each training session.

Robyn Caruso is the Founder of The Stress Management Institute for Health and Fitness Professionals. She has 15 years of experience in medical based fitness.

CRC-healthy-meals-snacks-food

Colorectal Cancer Development and Nutritional Deficits Management

/17 April 2023/ All MFN blog/

On an annual basis, a number of Americans are diagnosed with some form of cancer. One of the most commonly occurring cancers that is recognized as the third deadliest cancer in America and the world is colon cancer, or colorectal cancer (CRC).1 CRC is first known to present as cancer of the colon and rectum which generally affects older adults. The incidence and mortality rate of CRC can increase with age with the median age of diagnosis at 70 years within developed countries.2 However, there is the potential for the cancer to impact individuals of all ages.

There are also potential risk factors for development which can include male sex, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and lack of physical activity to name a few.2 Given the current and increasing rate of CRC diagnosis, there has been ongoing promotion of preventative measures and treatment interventions once formal diagnosis has been made.3

There are a number of recommendations for dietary measures to prevent colorectal but once diagnosed, nutritional support is also needed. For any person who is suspected of having CRC, there are both signs and symptoms to be aware of. Many patients can be symptomatic for several months before presentation. Some of the more common findings include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habit, or loss of appetite and fatigue.4 The loss of appetite that can be associated with CRC can present with nutritional deficits. Given that the primary function of the colon is to aid with the absorption of electrolytes and fluids, the diagnosis of CRC and the treatment interventions that can be applied can impact nutritional absorption. The treatment of colorectal cancer can increase the demand for nutrients so during treatment it is important for patients to adhere to a healthy diet to nourish their bodies.

The mainstays for nourishment can be obtained from proteins, consumption of healthier fats, consumption of whole grain goods, fruits and vegetables, and intake of adequate amount of water given the potential for dehydration to occur.5 Additionally, according to the American Cancer Society, the following foods are recommended for those who are undergoing colon cancer treatments: plant based foods, fruits and vegetables that contain essential vitamins and antioxidants, and healthy snacks (like Greek yogurt or lean chicken).6 If there are instances in which tolerability issues arise with the consumption of these types of foods, it is important for a patient to immediately discuss this matter with their provider. 

A diagnosis of CRC can impact a person’s health and life in a significant way. During the course of the condition and the timeframe for therapeutic interventions, it is important to monitor the nutritional needs of the person. The potential for nutritional deficits to occur can be significant with CRC, so a clear, focused plan should be developed with the best course of action in mind to minimize any negative impact. While the goal is always for primary, secondary, and tertiary preventive strategies, it is also important to know how to appropriately address issues such as nutrimental deficits that can arise with the given diagnosis.7 The recognition of nutrition as a key element to improved treatment outcomes should also be addressed with its comes to comprehensive CRC management.

Abimbola Farinde, PhD is a healthcare professional and professor who has gained experience in the field and practice of mental health, geriatrics, and pharmacy. She has worked with active duty soldiers with dual diagnoses of a traumatic brain injury and a psychiatric disorder providing medication therapy management and disease state management. Dr. Farinde has also worked with mentally impaired and developmentally disabled individuals at a state supported living center. Her different practice experiences have allowed her to develop and enhance her clinical and medical writing skills over the years. Dr. Farinde always strives to maintain a commitment towards achieving professional growth as she transitions from one phase of her career to the next.

References

  1. Marley AR, Nan H. Epidemiology of colorectal cancer. Int J MolEpidemiol Genet. 2016;7(3):105-114. Published 2016 Sep 30.
  2. Brenner H, Chen C. The colorectal cancer epidemic: challenges and opportunities for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. Br J Cancer 119, 785–792 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-018-0264-x
  3.  Holowaty EJ, Marrett LD, Parkes R, Fehringer G, editors. Colorectal Cancer in Ontario 1971-1996 [Internet] Cancer Care Ontario; 1998 [14 June 2016] Available from: https://www.cancercare.on.ca/common/pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=13718.
  4. Thanikachalam K, Khan G. Colorectal Cancer and Nutrition. Nutrients. 2019;11(1):164. Published 2019 Jan 14. doi:10.3390/nu11010164
  5. Claghorn K. Colon,rectal, and anal cancer: Frequently asked nutrition questions. OncoLink.February 9, 2021. Accessed January 20, 2022.
  6. Kubala J. A diet plan for before and after colon cancer treatment. Healthline.June 7, 2021. Accessed January 20, 2022.
  7. Brenner, H., Altenhofen, L., Stock, C. &Hoffmeister, M. Prevention, early detection, and overdiagnosis of colorectal cancer within 10 years of screening colonoscopy in Germany. Clin. Gastroenterol. Hepatol.13, 717–723 (2015).
Gym woman pilates stretching sport in reformer bed

The Role of the Pilates Professional in Cancer Treatment and Rehabilitation

/10 October 2022/ All MFN blog/

I am a 15 year breast cancer survivor, and experienced what cancer patients go through, not just from theory, but from living it. I’m going to talk about the role that Pilates had in my rehab and why I consider essential for cancer patients and survivors.

After surgery and treatment, most cancer patients are left with lack of flexibility and range of motion, and poor posture because of the scar tissue. Most experience fatigue from chemo and radiation or just stress of the circumstances. Many go through hormonal treatment which reduces the muscle mass, increases the risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture, bone pain, fatigue, mood swings and lack of stamina and stress.

Breathing is an essential part of Pilates. It helps with stress and stamina, reduces fatigue, opens the lungs and helps with mood swings. When we are paying attention to our breathing, we clear thoughts and allow the oxygen and energy flow through our bodies.

Awareness is a principle that helps us increase the consciousness of our body and the parts that are in disharmony and need to be repaired, isolating them from other parts to progressively make them stronger and healthier. Mind –Body connection

Control is another principle helps coordinate the body parts and move them with the correct alignment, avoiding jerky movements used in general workouts (especially using the Core which we call the powerhouse) and increasing BALANCE that is so affected in cancer patients.

Flexibility and range of motion are key in the rehabilitation for mobility and functionality of the limbs or part of the body affected so we start testing the patient range of motion without any resistance at first.

Pilates machines have springs that allow switching among different resistance according to the patient’s condition avoiding injuries and pain,

Allowing the patient to get FLEXIBLE then STRONGER and then MANAGE THEIR OWN BODY improving posture, Functionality, mobility, self-image and self-confidence.

Exercise Samples

Graciela Perez is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Personal Trainer, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Aquatic Specialist, and a Cancer Exercise Training Institute Cancer Exercise Specialist. She’s been helping people reaching their health and fitness goals since 2003. 

food-and-vegetable-coop-box

Foods for Cancer Prevention

/7 December 2021/ All MFN blog/

Despite a wealth of scientific data, most people remain unaware of how they can reduce their risk of developing cancer. According to a study released in 2008, only 5-10 percent of cancer cases are linked to genetics; the remaining 90-95 percent stem from environment and lifestyle factors and are potentially preventable. Twenty-five to 30 percent of cancer cases are due to tobacco use, and about 1 in 3 cases are due to food choices. These numbers continue to rise.

In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute compared cancer rates and deaths linked to risk factors such as red and processed meat intake, overweight, and low intake of fruits, vegetables, and dietary fiber. During that year in the United States, 42 percent of cancer cases and 45 percent of cancer deaths were linked to avoidable risk factors such as excess body weight. Factors within our control, like diet and exercise, are largely accountable for cancer outcomes.

Download the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine’s Fact Sheet, Foods for Cancer Prevention, to read the rest of this article. Feel free to download and share this free resource.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, headquartered in Washington, DC. Our efforts are dramatically changing the way doctors treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer. By putting prevention over pills, doctors are empowering their patients to take control of their own health.

Fact sheet shared with permission from PCRM. Click here to view other PCRM Fact Sheets.

 

senior-couple-walking-exercise

The Pharmacologics of Exercise: Yes, Exercise Is Medicine!

/18 June 2021/ All MFN blog/

It’s been said: “If all the benefits of exercise could be placed in a single pill, it would be the most widely prescribed medication in the world.” Scientific evidence continues to mount supporting the numerous medicinal benefits of exercise. In fact, there’s hardly a disease that I can think of that exercise won’t help in one way or another, be it prevention, treatment, or even cure in some instances.

Seniors with trainer in gym at sport lifting barbell

Set Yourself Apart: Facing the increasing challenge of competing with underqualified trainers

/12 May 2021/ All MFN blog/

As a personal trainer, you may find it increasingly difficult to compete in an industry that has no licensure and very little in the way of requirements. As an industry, we let anyone willing to take a two-, four-, six- or eight-hour online course become a personal trainer. This may explain the lack of expertise that is witnessed in so many trainers at gyms across the country. You may find yourself watching them from the sidelines, cringing as you notice the client performing deadlifts with an arched-back; squats with their knees caving in; or any other combination or poor supervision, direction and form.

It’s unfortunate, but the average person has no idea what to look for in a trainer. They don’t know the questions to ask, the accredited certifications and whether or not that trainer is able to work with any pre-existing conditions that they may have. As gyms hire underqualified trainers, underselling those of you who are worth your fee, clients continue to get injured. The client goes to a physical or occupational therapist and tells them they’ve been working with a trainer at X gym. The therapist rolls their eyes, having heard the story time and time again, discrediting personal trainers and the fitness industry as a whole.

If you have put your time in — getting your degree, obtaining every accredited certification you could get your hands on and starting at the bottom of the food chain, scraping your way to the top, you may be feeling frustrated and perhaps a little defeated.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that there are 76.4 million baby boomers. There were actually a total of 76 million births in the United States from 1946 to 1964, the 19 years usually called the “baby boom.” Based on these staggering numbers, many nationally certifying bodies are realizing the need for medical fitness professionals. They are looking to change the industry, set standards for our fitness professionals, and require advanced education in order to work with any special population. In the next few years, we are going to see the pendulum swing in the fitness industry. There is a movement towards medical fitness and you can get in at the ground level, setting yourself apart from the low-level trainers. You will be able to create a niche market that will open doors in the medical community, increase referrals and increase revenue.

Perhaps you or someone you love has been touched by cancer; there were an estimated 18 million cancer cases around the world in 2018!

  • One-quarter of new cancer cases are diagnosed in people aged 65 to 74
  • Median age at diagnosis is 61 years for breast cancer, 68 years for colorectal cancer, 70 years for lung cancer and 66 years for prostate cancer

In 2018, there were approximately 43.8 million cancer survivors diagnosed within the previous five years. By 2040, the global burden is expected to grow to 27.5 million new cancer cases. During the COVID-19 pandemic we are seeing that cancer patients, as well as others with compromised immune systems, are more alone and isolated than ever. This provides an unprecedented opportunity for you to provide a necessary and life-changing service to those in treatment or recovering from cancer. The Cancer Exercise Training Institute offers an online university fast-track program that also includes business coaching and training to take your business online. In five weeks, you can sit for the exam and, with at least an 80% passing grade, become a Cancer Exercise Specialist.

To some of you, working with what would appear to be an aging or sick population may not be of interest. You need to decide if you want to be like every other trainer, creating beach bodies and six-packs, or if you want to really make a difference in someone’s quality of life, and your success as a trainer. Think outside the box. Beyond the baby boomers, we have athletes and adolescents who have diabetes, who suffer with obesity, have asthma, cancer and so much more. This is a relatively untapped market.

For those of you who are up for a challenge, willing to step outside of your comfort zone and explore a new and exciting avenue in fitness, this offers a tremendous opportunity. There will always be those who want to lose weight, get toned, get ripped and improve sports performance, but after a while you can do that in your sleep. When you have clients that can’t get out of bed, can’t get up and down from a chair or can’t even perform self-care, and you are able to help them to take control of their life and their body in a way they never imagined was possible, it is truly the most meaningful and rewarding part of your career.

As we change the standards in the fitness industry, specialized training will be a requirement and you will be one step ahead of the game. By setting up meetings with nurses, doctors, patient navigators and support groups, you exponentially increase your potential client base. The unqualified trainer will not even be able to get in the door. The medical community will not accept a trainer without appropriate credentials.

As a highly credentialed trainer, you can establish yourself as a blog writer, magazine contributor and speaker. Opportunities may range from speaking to a support group at a local hospital to becoming a keynote speaker at a huge event. You can even conduct local or destination retreats for specific groups (i.e.; breast cancer, diabetes, juvenile diabetes, active aging etc.). The doors will also open up to you at medical fitness facilities and possibly hospitals that are looking for highly credentialed medical fitness professionals.

There are certainly other ways that you can make your mark and create unique marketing opportunities, but many of those will come and go with various trends and fads in fitness. Sadly, we live in a country that believes that “bigger is better” and wants “more for their money.” This has led to an epidemic of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, among other things. People will continue to age and whether it’s through the natural aging process or poor self-care, this is a market that is here to stay.

This article was featured in MedFit Professional Magazine. 

Andrea Leonard is the Founder and President of the Cancer Exercise Training Institute. She is a certified as a corrective exercise specialist by The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), as a personal trainer by The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and as a Special Populations Expert by The Cooper Institute. She is also a continuing education provider for the National Academy of Sports Medicine and The American Council on Exercise.