Exercise programs designed specifically for cancer patients are popping up all over the US. Here are a few examples:

• In 1995 Dawn Kirsch launched the Breast Cancer Wellness Program at the Brandywine, Pa. YMCA. "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, there were not any programs available that met my needs," she said. So, Kirsch talked with physicians, did research, and developed her own program. This ongoing eight-week program is designed for lumpectomy and mastectomy patients and includes cardiovascular warm-ups, low-impact aerobics, toning, stretching and relaxation.
  
  
• At DeKalb Medical Center in Atlanta, Ga., the Integrative Medicine Program was formed to help patients in the final stages of healing. "We start working with the [cancer] patients from the beginning and travel the whole journey, thus building a level of trust and support," said Betty Castellani, director of the Charles B. Eberhart Cancer Center. The four-week program includes information on exercise, nutrition, spirituality, family dynamics, stress reduction, and children's coping skills. A physical therapist teaches two 45-minute group sessions and designs a program that is individualized to meet each patient's needs. "We also offer a program specifically designed for children called The Tree House Gang, where a child psychologist explains to the children what cancer is and that they can survive," Castellani added.
  
  
• When Washington, DC resident Andrea Leonard's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Leonard wanted to develop an exercise program for her but could not find any information about doing it. So, Leonard and Amy Halverstadt have spent the last three years researching and developing EM-POWER, a progressive resistance exercise program for breast cancer patients. Using a thorough patient assessment and history, a program is then tailored for each woman to help problems associated with treatment, such as range of motion, flexibility, lymphedema, and posture.
  
  
• In 1974 ENCOREplus, a unique peer support group combined with an exercise program for women recovering from breast cancer, was initiated nationally by the YWCA. In addition to exercise, the program provides continuing health education and referral to community experts for women experiencing psychosocial problems.
  
  
• About six years ago while working with a client who was recovering from breast cancer, Debbie Miller discovered there was no research or guidelines to help her develop a personal training program for her client. Her solution was Banana Fitness, a small gym in Maryland, which offers small group and individualized training for cancer patients.
  
  
• Cancer survivor Jeff Berman founded Cancer Support Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with cancer use exercise, nutrition, and stress management to enhance their recovery. In May, the program will expand to include a running and walking component for prostate cancer patients at the New York Presbyterian Medical Center.

Sources

• Breast Cancer Wellness Program, Brandywine, Pa., YMCA. Phone: 610-384-5084.
• DeKalb Medical Center, Atlanta, Ga. Phone: 404-892-2300.
• EM-POWER, Washington, DC. Phone: 301-260-1100.
• ENCOREplus is offered at 37 YWCAs nationwide. Look in the business section of your local phone book to contact your local YWCA.
• Banana Fitness, Rockville, Md. Phone: 301-231-0153.
• Cancer Support Services, N.Y., contact Jeff Berman at 212-682-9728 or www.cancersupport.org.