How can individuals reduce their risk of developing cancer? How can Canadians improve prognosis after a cancer diagnosis? These questions are often answered from a medical perspective, but the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education is shedding new light on cancer research and providing hope for many.
Held on April 6 at the Isabel Bader Theatre, the Faculty’s tenth public research symposium welcomed over 300 attendees, including patients, caregivers, family members, friends, colleagues, researchers and health-care workers.
“Here at the University of Toronto, we conduct innovative cancer research – from immunotherapy and targeted treatment to using gene-editing tools,” said Professor Ira Jacobs, Dean of the Faculty. “But this Faculty views cancer research through a specific lens – one through which exercise plays a key role in prevention and recovery.”
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada – two out of five Canadians are expected to develop the disease during their lifetimes. Research shows that exercising on a regular basis can reduce the risk of developing some cancers by up to 30 per cent.
“This event was timely because of cancer awareness month and it’s also one of the most prevalent diseases of our time,” said Professor Luc Tremblay, who is also the Faculty’s associate dean of research and the chair of the symposium organizing committee. “We’re proud to bring evidence-based research to the public and at the same time provide personal perspectives – at the end of the day we want to provide solutions to improve individuals’ lives.”
Gareth Wheeler, Canadian sports broadcaster, former soccer player, and cancer survivor and advocate led the event. In 2006 he was diagnosed with melanoma and after multiple recurrences, the cancer spread to his lymphatic system in the spring of 2012.
“It was at that time I dug myself out of this dark hole I was in and started to be much more proactive about my health. I changed my diet, I used meditation and I started to exercise on a regular basis. By summer 2012, my tumours had shrunk by 50 per cent and I was ruled out of a clinical trial.”
This past fall, Wheeler received the devastating news that his melanoma had returned.
“Thankfully cancer research has grown by leaps and bounds. I’ve started immunotherapy and I continue to use diet and exercise to manage the disease. I’m just a regular sports guy, who’s going to be as competitive with my disease as I was on the playing field.”
Physiotherapist Claudia Hernandez spoke about the benefits of exercise from a patient perspective, the barriers to exercise and the importance of health and community support.
“When I was diagnosed with cancer, I got moved from one test to another and I lost control of my life. Exercise was what helped me to go through treatment and to gain back my sense of self.”
Following Hernandez, Professor Roanne Segal discussed the principles of cancer therapy and the far-reaching benefits of exercise.
“I’m a lady who you never want to meet. I’m the one, unfortunately, who has to recommend all of those toxic drugs that you’ve heard about,” said Segal, who is a clinician at the Ottawa Hospital in the Department of Medical Oncology. “I’m also the one who recognizes that exercise can reduce mortality rates, improve immunity, decrease fatigue, maintain healthy weight and bone density, and enhance mental health.”
Professor Daniel Santa Mina spoke about how to maximize the effects of exercise and the role it can play before treatment. He also outlined resources that patients can access, including Cancer Care Ontario’s guidelines.
“The relationship between exercise and cancer extends beyond survivorship, beyond functional outcomes and quality of life – it can also slow tumour progression,” said Santa Mina, who is a clinician-scientist and exercise lead at the Princess Margaret Hospital. “In epidemiological research of nearly 40,000 people with cancer, physical activity was associated with a 37 per cent reduction in cancer-specific mortality.”
Professor Catherine Sabiston wrapped up the evening and offered evidence-based strategies to start and stick with manageable exercise programs.
“I want to dispel this myth about exercise. We think of exercise as going to the gym but exercise is what you can do. Start small, plan ahead, measure your success and build confidence – take one step more tomorrow than you did today.”
After the formal presentation, experts offered support and answered attendees’ questions.
“I get excited about how this area is truly interdisciplinary and there are concrete benefits for patients undergoing treatment,” said attendee Shea Balish, a postdoctoral fellow working with Sabiston. “Kinesiology is really leading the way because we have a broad perspective of the human body and can provide new solutions to age-old problems.”