Cancer survivors provide research through Exercise and Thrive program

Seattle's Bea Wells didn't start exercising much until her mid-30s, and when she did, it was always with groups, like aerobics classes at the YMCA. She knew then and she knows now that she needs the camaraderie and direction of group exercise if she is going to sustain activity.

Seven years ago, she saw another group option when she volunteered to be a test subject in an exercise study at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. She thought she could fill a role in the study's cancer-free control group. In the process of qualifying, she learned she had colon cancer.

So she seems an especially apt member of a pilot program that provides supervised group exercise for cancer survivors and tries to refine the approach of incorporating exercise into rehabilitation. The YMCA, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the Lance Armstrong Foundation are Fred Hutchinson's partners in the 10-week program called Exercise and Thrive.

Wells, 62, and about nine other survivors meet twice a week at the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA in the Central District to work on their strength, flexibility and aerobic endurance. They also connect psychologically. Groups also meet at two other regional YMCA clubs — downtown Seattle and Bothell — as well as in nine other cities across the country.

The initial round of Seattle classes ends this month, but organizers expect participation to expand as the program is evaluated and fine-tuned.

Karen Syrjala, director of the survivorship program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, says the program's goal is to provide participants with not only exercise but also an opportunity to learn about physical activity and health in a setting that most people find more relaxing than a cancer center.

Various studies, mainly on women with early-stage breast cancer, suggest that physical activity can improve cancer survivors' quality of life, lessen the impact of treatment side effects and help in their overall recovery. But more data are needed. While exercise, even just living an active life, is universally considered important for cancer survivors, researchers are trying to understand the extent of its rehabilitative value and how best to administer and monitor it.

"Medical studies show that moderate levels of appropriate physical activity can reduce fatigue, boost self-esteem and improve muscle strength and physical endurance in individuals following cancer treatment," said Andy Miller, vice president of programs and policy for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. "However, physical activity and wellness programs specifically for cancer survivors are scarce and often difficult to take to scale nationally."

That's why, he said, the foundation has funded the program and paired with the YMCA to administer it.

Amy White, who represents the Greater Seattle YMCA in the partnership, says the approach dovetails with the organization's Activate America initiative, which seeks to take fitness beyond gym memberships as a method of addressing the nation's sagging health.

The Exercise and Thrive sessions are supervised by YMCA staff and take 90 minutes each. They touch upon the main physical components — flexibility, strength and aerobics — and about 30 minutes of group discussion, sometimes centered on questions such as, "How in balance does your life feel right now?" Participants also learn about nutrition and other mind-body activities such as yoga and qigong.

White says 27 people have been participating in the initial round of the classes. The participants range from people who have gone through recent treatment to those who have been symptom-free for years. As part of the program, participants and their families get free use of any YMCA while enrolled in the program.

Wells lost her husband to leukemia in 1980, but she never considered she would get cancer, too. Because of continuing medical maintenance and the prospect of recurrence, she needs emotional support from people who understand the disease and know that rehabilitation is a long road.

"Each time you notice a minor thing in the body, if it does not go away soon, the first thing that enters your mind is, 'Maybe it is cancer again,' " she says.

Wells continues to benefit from understanding herself. In seeking group exercise opportunities, she found Team Survivor Northwest. Through the local cancer support group, she managed to climb Mount Adams and walk a half-marathon at 60 — with artificial knees. She paddles dragon boats with Team Survivor, too.

Richard Seven: 206-464-2241

or rseven@seattletimes.com