Boulder Cancer Survivorship Program
Today there are more than 12 million cancer survivors thanks to advances in cancer prevention and treatment. Survivors need guidance in dealing with all of the medical, social and psychological problems that may occur with this chronic disease or the treatments used to save their life. The Boulder Cancer Survivorship Program (BCSP) provides therapeutic exercise, symptom management and nutritional guidance to individuals who are currently undergoing treatment for a cancer diagnosis as well as those who have completed their treatment. With appropriate exercise and nutrition we can help to reduce the disease and treatment related side effects that often compromise quality of life in cancer survivors. We see adult cancer survivors with all types and stages of cancer.
Managing Side Effects Cancer and the intensive treatments for cancer can be associated with numerous side effects. These include profound fatigue, depression, loss of muscle mass and strength, neuropathy (nerve damage) memory and cognitive problems (chemo-brain), alterations to hormones, immune suppression, nausea, osteoporosis, and weight gain. Supportive measures and interventions can ameliorate many of the side effects that occur during treatment. Studies have shown that there are numerous complimentary treatments that can assist in managing the side effects and improve the quality of the cancer treatment experience. Even more importantly, making healthy lifestyle choices can have a beneficial impact upon cancer cure rates and recovery from the effects of cancer treatment.
Therapeutic Exercise for Cancer Recovery Cancer and cancer treatments often lead to decreased energy levels or cancer related fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle imbalances, impaired range of motion, loss of stamina, changes in balance, neuromuscular deficits, nausea, pain, anxiety and depression. Scientific research shows that exercise can have a positive effect in ameliorating many of these symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. Each exercise program is customized to complement the patient’s type and stage of cancer and their treatment regime. Therapeutic exercise programs generally include aerobic conditioning, resistance training, core strengthening, balance and proprioception training, flexibility and range of motion exercises.
Nutrition Good nutrition is an integral part of each cancer survivors plan for long term health and longevity. We will help each survivor develop a personalized nutrition program to :
- Decrease the side effects of the cancer treatment
- Improve immune system recovery and function
- Use vitamins and supplements to reconstitute the immune system and improve recovery
- Preserve lean body mass and improve body composition
- Increase energy
- Develop focused strategies for cancer prevention
- Build muscle mass
- Improve skeletal health
- Improve neurologic function and recovery from neuropathy
We can provide recovery strategies for all survivors!
Exercise in a clean environment that won’t compromise your immune system.
