Sky Lakes Medical Center | Live Smart | Summer 2018

By Sarah Gale, Oncology Social Worker, Sky Lakes Cancer Treatment Center Sky Lakes Cancer Treatment Center recently received funding to implement an evidence-based walking program in Klamath Falls to help reduce the incidence and burden of cancer in Oregon. We call the local program Sunshine City Strollers, and our mantra is “Step it up, cancer patients and survivors!” The Cancer Treatment Center—in partnership with Oregon Health & Science University’s Oregon Community Cancer Research Collaborative and Knight Cancer Institute Community Partnership Program— hosts the free, weekly, guided Step it Up! walking groups, which are open to all cancer patients and survivors, as well as their family and friends. Why is it important to have a walking group just for cancer patients and survivors? The United States, as well as many other industrialized nations, has seen an exponential increase in the number of cancer survivors due to improved screenings, diagnosis and treatments available. The combination of rising cancer prevalence and survival rates has led to a large and quickly growing population with unique health care needs. People with cancer experience serious chronic health sequelae— secondary health effects—such as fatigue, accelerated functional decline, pain, psychological distress and a higher risk of developing comorbid conditions. Studies have shown that exercise during and after cancer treatment can decrease fatigue levels, emotional stress, blood pressure, the duration of neutropenia (a decrease in the number of white blood cells, which are an important part of your body’s disease defense) and pain. This in turn increases an individual’s quality of life. Researchers note that cancer patients involved in greater levels of exercise have a lower comparative risk of cancer mortality and a lower comparative risk of cancer recurrence, and they may also experience fewer treatment-associated adverse effects. In addition, social support has been shown to help us make lasting increases in being physically active. That’s why cancer survivors and their friends and family members are invited to attend and participate in our walking groups together! Sunshine City Strollers groups are led by trained walking leaders, one each for two groups each week; one faster-paced group and one slower-paced group. This not only allows us to build fellowship and comradery, but also to accommodate different ability levels. Why else should I be excited about this walking group? Glad you asked! The groups are fun and free, and we have drawings for cool prizes each month! For every session you attend, you’ll receive a punch on a snazzy Sunshine City Strollers punch card. When you’ve filled the card, you can turn it in for that month’s drawing. See you out there! Sources: Exercise and cancer recovery. Visovsky C, Dvorak C; - Online J Issues Nurs - March 28, 2005; 10 (2); Implementing exercise in cancer care: study protocol to evaluate a community-based exercise program for people with cancer. Cormie P, Lamb S, Newton RU, Valentine L, McKiernan S, Spry N, Joseph D, Taaffe DR, Doran CM, Galvão DA, - BMC Cancer - February 6, 2017; 17 (1); 103 4 LIVE smart | Summer 2018 Sunshine City Strollers