November 21, 2009 – Vail Daily News – CO, USA
Vail Valley study will examine whether cancer survivors are more likley to meet fitness goals when helped by a coach
Vail Valley: Ovarian cancer survivor Nancy Goetze, left, looks on while exercise physiologist Dustin Buttars helps breast cancer survivor Debbie Sieders strengthen her arms Monday during a Fit For Survival class at the Edwards Pavilion.
Kristin AndersonVAIL VALLEY, Colorado — Studies have already revealed that diet and exercise can boost a person’s chances of beating cancer.
For instance, breast cancer patients who eat a low-fat diet can reduce the risk of their cancer recurring by up to 42 percent, according to one study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
“We already know that exercise and diet can improve cancer survivorship outcomes,” said Melaine Hendershott, a registered dietitian oncology specialist for the Shaw Regional Cancer Center in Edwards. “What we are looking at is: How intensive does the program need to be for our participants to maximally reach their goals?”
The Shaw center will be launching a study to explore the role of a “life coach” in helping cancer survivors meet their diet and exercise goals. A life coach checks in with cancer survivors to find out whether they are meeting their goals. The life coach may also talk to the patient about any obstacles they have encountered.
“We’re hypothesizing that those who have a life coach will meet more of their goals than those who do not,” Hendershott said. Read story.
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