Breast Cancer Research

CaRE-AC: Cancer Rehabilitation for People with Advanced Breast or Colorectal Cancers

Breast and Colorectal Cancer Research

CaRE-AC is an exercise program for individuals diagnosed with advanced breast or colorectal cancer. This research is a collaboration between UBC and BC Cancer. . 

Purpose: To determine how delivering an 8-week supervised exercise program specific to advanced breast and colorectal cancer patients (CaRE-AC) compares to standard best practice care. The 8-week program includes weekly supervised exercise classes and self-management classes.  Participants who are randomized into the CaRE-AC program have the option of participating in the program online or in-person.  Participants randomized into the standard best practice care will receive information on exercise guidelines.

Upcoming dates for CaRE-AC
Participants may or may not be randomized into the program. Dates and times are subject to change.

• In-Person program:
  • May 9^th to June 27^th     
  • Thursdays 9:00-11:45 am (includes 15 min break)
  • 1 class / week, total 2.5 hrs
  •  Note: May 16^th will be 10:15 am – 2:00 pm
• Virtual program:
  • May 7^th to June 27^th
  • Tuesday 10:00-11:00 am AND Thursdays 10:00-11:30 am
  • 2 classes / week, total 2.5 hrs
  • Note: May 16^th will be 12:00 pm-2:00 pm

Referral Process:
Direct referrals can be made by email or a patient can self-refer.
For all referrals, please contact: 
Kelly Mackenzie (Research Manager)
Email: exercise.research@ubc.ca
Phone: 604-827-1914 (ask about CaRE-AC)

The Arm Morbidity Self-Monitoring Study – AMS

Breast Cancer Research

The AMS study is to understand how to assess shoulder and arm problems related to treatment for breast cancer.

Study:

• ONE online questionnaire (20-30 minutes) 
• ONE in-person physiotherapy assessment (30-35 minutes) near BC Cancer Vancouver

We are seeking women who:

1. Have a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer 
2. Received surgery for breast cancer on one side 
3. Within 6 weeks of radiation therapy: either start, completion, or currently undergoing 
4. Are over 19 years of age 
5. Have good English comprehension in order to understand the study forms
6. No prior history of shoulder/arm injury, surgery, or any other musculoskeletal issue on the side of breast cancer surgery 

Referral Process:

For all referrals, please contact: 

Kendra Zadravec (Study Coordinator)
Email:  kendra.zadravec@ubc.ca
Phone:  604-827-1914

EXCEL: Exercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well

EXCEL is a 12-week supervised virtual exercise program for individuals living in rural communities offering 2 group exercise sessions per week led by a trained professional. The program is designed to improve strength, cardio, balance, core stability, and mobility.

Purpose: Researchers from the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer would like to understand how the EXCEL exercise program may help with physical function and exercise behaviour in people living in rural communities who are diagnosed with cancer.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Have a cancer diagnosis
2. 18 years or older
3. Be able to participate in mild levels of physical activity
4. Have good English comprehension
5. Be pre-treatment, or receiving active cancer treatment, or have received cancer treatment within the past three years
6. Can participate in a virtual program (e.g. computer/tablet/smartphone with video)
7. Live in Rural BC (not Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria or Kelowna)
   For a list of excluded regions, see below.
   

Upcoming dates for EXCEL
Dates and times are subject to change.

• April 2^nd to June 20^th Tues/Thurs 8:15-9:15am
• April 2^nd to June 20^th Tues/Thurs 4:30-5:30pm
• April 3^rd to June 26^th Mon/Wed 12:30-1:30pm

Referral Process:
Direct referrals can be made by email or a patient can self-refer.
For all referrals, please contact: 
Natalie Fujisawa (Research Coordinator)
Email:  exercise.research@ubc.ca
Phone:  604-827-1914 (ask about EXCEL)

CaRE@Home: Virtual Rehabilitation for Cancer Survivors

CaRE@Home is an 8-week supervised exercise & self-management program delivered via a virtual platform (telephone, internet). This study is for individuals living with a history of breast, colorectal, lymphoma, or head and neck cancer who have completed treatment for their cancer and are struggling to recover or are dealing with treatment side effects.

Purpose: Researchers from the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer are studying the effectiveness of CaRE@Home vs. usual Care on disability and patient reported and physiological outcomes.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Age 18 years or older
2. Diagnosed with breast (stage 0-III), colorectal (stage I-III), head and neck (stage I-III), or lymphoma/lymphoproliferative disorder (excluded: recurrent, refractory, progressive, received or planning to receive transplant)
3. Completed a primary treatment (i.e. surgery and/or radiation and/or systemic therapy of any kind) within the last 24 months
4. Communicate sufficiently in English to complete intervention and questionnaires
5. Willing to be randomized and participate in the 8-week virtual intervention
6. Internet access
   

Referral Process:

Direct referrals can be made by email or a patient can self-refer.

For all referrals, please contact: 

Natalie Fujisawa (Research Coordinator)
Email:  exercise.research@ubc.ca
Phone:  604-827-1914 (ask about EXCEL)

reach: Personalized education and support along your cancer journey

People with cancer face many short- and long-term health challenges before, during, and after treatment. These side effects can negatively impact quality of life and make it hard to get back to work and regular activities.

reach is an online tool for cancer rehabilitation, designed by clinicians, researchers, and patients that empowers you to manage your side effects from treatment.

How does reach work?

1. Register and install reach by visiting reach.uhn.ca
2. Create an account on reach using a personal email
3. Answer a few short questions about your physical symptoms during and after treatment
4. Receive personalized resources to help you manage your symptoms

Eligibility requirements:

• age 18 years or older;
• diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lymphoma, or head and neck cancer; and
• scheduled to commence cancer treatment, currently receiving cancer treatment, or completed active treatment and receiving follow-up care (maximum two years post treatment)

To connect with a UBC team member, please contact: exercise.research@ubc.ca