Exercise Oncology Lab

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of a 12-week intervention (Fitbit + behvioural counselling) vs. Fitbit-only control group in reducing sedentary behaviour among prostate cancer survivors.

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between physical fitness and cognitive function in metastatic kidney cancer survivors receiving immunotherapy to develop tailored physical activity programs.

The purpose of this study is to help adults diagnosed with cancer increase their physical activity levels through a 24-week virtual program, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of being active from the comfort of their own home.

Natalie Cuda (MSc. candidate) presents her research on 'Changes in Physical Activity and Well Being among Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic' at the International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.

Denise Bastas (undergraduate student) presents her research presentation on 'Physical Activity Attitudes and Counselling Practices in Oncology Healthcare Providers Working with Kidney Cancer Survivors' at the Eastern Canada Sport and Exercise Psychology Symposium Annual Meeting in March 2019 in Vaughan, Ontario.

Alexis Whitehorn (MSc. candidate) presents her research poster on ‘Motivational Outcomes of a Community-Based Program to Increase Physical Activity in Breast Cancer Survivors’ at the Society of Behavioral Medicine's 40th Annual Meeting in March 2019 in Washington, D.C. 

Ally Tabaczynski (MSc. candidate) presents her research poster on ‘Demographic, Medical, Social-Cognitive, and Environmental Correlates of Meeting Strength Training Guidelines in Kidney Cancer Survivors’ at the Canadian Society for Psychomotor Learning and Sport Psychology Annual Conference in October 2018 in Toronto, Ontario.

Ally Tabaczynski (MSc. candidate) presents her research poster on ‘Reallocation of Time Spent in Sleep, Activity and Sedentary Behaviour: Associations on Quality of Life in Kidney Cancer Survivors’ at the Society of Behavioral Medicine's 39th Annual Meeting in April in New Orleans, LA.

Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer Survivors by the American Cancer Society (ACS)

Physical Activity Guidelines for Cancer Survivors by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

American Institute for Cancer Research’s (AICR) Guidelines For Cancer Survivors

Exercise for People with Cancer by Cancer Care Ontario

Cancer Prevention Recommendations from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)

Get Active, Sit Less! Exercise Guidebook for Kidney Cancer Survivors© in PDF format. This guide book is designed to help kidney cancer survivors increase their physical activity and reduce their sitting time. Download document with this link: Kidney Cancer Guidebook (English) or Kidney Cancer Guidebook (French)

Researchers and practitioners wishing to use this guidebook for research or practice-related purposes, please contact Dr. Linda Trinh: linda.trinh@utoronto.ca

There is no need to contact Dr. Trinh if you are downloading the book for your personal use.

Please contact the Exercise Oncology lab at exercise.oncology@utoronto.ca or (416) 946-5856 if interested in participating in the current studies.

The Exercise Oncology Lab is currently recruiting adults (aged +18) living with and beyond cancer interested in increasing their physical activity levels through a 24-week virtual program.

The Exercise Oncology Lab is currently recruiting metastatic kidney cancer survivors (aged 18+) to participate in a study investigating the relationship between exercise cognitive function.

Emma Tung is a researcher in sports and clinical biomechanics. She completed her Master's at the University of Waterloo in Biomechanics and her research looked at using muscle quality, and physical capacity indicators to measure frailty in older adults. For the past two years, Emma worked for the Texas Rangers MLB organization where she led research activities to improve player performance. Now, as a Research Officer for the EOL, Emma is excited to coordinate and organize current and future studies looking at how specific exercise and behavioural interventions affect cancer survivorship and quality of life.

Golnaz Ghazinour is a research officer at the Exercise Oncology Lab at the University of Toronto. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Science and Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education. Her research focus was understanding the role of sedentary behaviour in cognitive function of older breast cancer survivors post-treatment. She hopes to use her findings to develop effective physical activity interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour and improve the well-being of cancer survivors.

Hui is an emerging cancer rehabilitation researcher, with leadership in the field of prostate cancer prevention through exercise-supportive adjuvant therapy. His work combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies to bridge public health with men's health, driving forward effective prostate cancer research initiatives. He has previously delved into the supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer and pioneered a novel healthy ageing model for men by examining the factors that shape their supportive care needs and healthy ageing capabilities. Hui's interests are across interdisciplinary areas, including public health, exercise science, health rehabilitation, translational health, men's health, and cancer survivorship research.

Alexis Whitehorn graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Kinesiology and previously from  the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2018. She is currently working in the Exercise Oncology Lab as a first year PhD student at the University of Toronto. Her research interest involves home-based functional fitness testing with cancer survivors. Alexis is committed to owning her own personal training studio in the future. She plans to motivate clients to become physically active and maintain a healthier lifestyle. 

Michelle is a second-year Master’s student with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto. Since joining the Exercise Oncology Lab in 2021, she has focused her research on the long-term maintenance of physical activity habits, gender-specific factors influencing these habits, and the impact of sedentary behavior. With experience working with both sedentary and clinical populations, Michelle is passionate about developing tailored interventions that promote sustainable physical activity habits and lifestyle changes. Her work reflects a dedication to improving health outcomes through personalized and evidence-based approaches.

Sarah O’Rourke is a second-year master's student working in the Exercise Oncology Lab at the University of Toronto. She graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology. Sarah is interested in the role of resistance training in cognitive and physical function of prostate cancer survivors. She hopes to use her findings to develop effective exercise interventions to improve quality of life and health outcomes of cancer survivors.

Deema Khalaf is a first year master’s student working in the Exercise Oncology Lab at the University of Toronto. She graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Deema is interested in developing interventions grounded in behaviour change theories to help reduce sedentary behaviour amongst those living with and beyond cancer. She hopes to use her findings to improve health outcomes and the quality of life of those living with and beyond cancer.

Lamisa Syed is a research assistant at the Exercise Oncology Lab. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University and a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Toronto. In addition to her role in the lab, Lamisa is currently working as a registered Occupational Therapist in rehabilitation settings. With a passion for integrating clinical skills​ and evidence-based practices, Lamisa hopes to support cancer survivors return to their most meaningful activities and enhance their quality of life through physical activity.

Jada Roach is a recent graduate with a Bachelors of Kinesiology and a current second-year medical student at the University of Toronto. She is currently working in the Exercise Oncology lab as a research assistant. She is passionate about promoting the benefits of exercise for people of all walks of life and is specifically interested in how having an exercise identity impacts behaviour in cancer survivors.

Ina Koperwas is a research assistant working in the Exercise Oncology Lab. She is a recent graduate with a Bachelors of Kinesiology and Physical Education from the University of Toronto and is currently a first year Nursing student also at the University of Toronto. Ina is passionate about exploring how reducing sedentary behavior can enhance the overall quality of life and decrease comorbidities in cancer survivors.