4 minute read
Making Moves Empowering childhood cancer survivors through physical activity
from In-SPHERE March 2024
by IN-SPHERE
By Linda Music
According to research and findings, including those from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), it is estimated that between 60% to 70% of children who undergo cancer treatment will develop a chronic health condition by age 50. This alarming fact highlights the urgent need for tailored support for childhood cancer survivors.
Enter Making Moves, an exciting new research program designed to provide young cancer survivors with the tools and guidance they need to lead active and healthy lives, after cancer treatment.
The Need for Physical Activity Support
Childhood cancer survival rates have significantly improved in recent decades, thanks to advancements in cancer therapy. However, survivors often face long-term health challenges because of their treatment, including secondary cancers, cardiovascular disease, and physical limitations such as fatigue and reduced fitness. Engaging in regular physical activity can increase physical fitness, improve muscular strength, and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Despite the benefits of regular physical activity in improving survivors’ health and wellbeing, many do not meet recommended activity guidelines.
Dr Lauren Ha, a post-doctoral research fellow at UNSW School of Clinical Medicine and The Behavioural Sciences Unit, Sydney Children’s Hospital is supported by The Kids’ Cancer Project to lead a nationwide physical activity program of work. As an exercise physiologist, she recognised the lack of physical activity programs for young cancer survivors during her undergraduate studies. This realisation ignited her passion to support these individuals in leading active and healthy lives after cancer.
The Program
Co-designed by Australian childhood cancer survivors, parents, healthcare professionals, exercise professionals, and researchers, Making Moves is a comprehensive program aimed at empowering young cancer survivors to embrace physical activity as an essential part of their health.
The program offers age-appropriate health education and personalised guidance on making healthy lifestyle changes. Through a series of digital modules and videos, participants learn about the importance of physical activity and how to incorporate it into their daily lives. The content is tailored to different age groups (8-12 years, 13-17 years and 18-21 years), ensuring that each participant receives relevant and engaging information.
Tailored Support
One of the key features of Making Moves is the personalised support provided to each participant.
“In addition to the educational modules, participants work one-onone with exercise physiologists to set goals and develop individualised plans to increase physical activity. These sessions focus on motivational interviewing and behaviour change techniques to empower participants to take ownership of their health and well-being,” explains Lauren.
“The program also emphasises family or community involvement, recognising that the support of loved ones plays a crucial role in the success of young cancer survivors. Videos at the end of each module encourage family members or friends to join in activities and provide support along the way.”
Expanding Access and Impact
Initial pilot testing of the Making Moves program has shown promising results, with participants reporting high levels of satisfaction and feasibility. Building on this success, the program is now being expanded to reach a wider range of participants, including those up to 21 years old and those six months post-treatment.
By offering support online, Making Moves ensures that young cancer survivors can access resources and guidance no matter where they live. This flexibility is particularly important for individuals who may face barriers to accessing traditional in-person programs.
Making Moves represents a significant step forward in supporting the health and well-being of childhood cancer survivors. By providing tailored physical activity support and education, the program empowers young survivors to lead active and fulfilling lives after cancer. With continued research and innovation, programs like Making Moves have the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of survivors and their families.
“We have an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young cancer survivors. By empowering them to embrace physical activity and healthy living, we can hopefully see improvements in their physical fitness and quality of life especially as they transition to adulthood,” said Lauren.
