The Benefits of Exercise Throughout the Cancer Journey

In this session, Chris Sellar with the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) Study discussed how research evidence supports the benefit of exercise to improve symptoms related to cancer, at every stage of treatment and recovery. Former Sorrentino’s Compassion House Guest, Tiffany Blake also shared her story and the impact exercise had on her cancer journey.

Event: Inspiring Speakers Series

Date: June 24, 2021

Presented by: CPA Alberta

Resources: Slides by Chris Sellar

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to watch this session. It is especially relevant for: current/former guests of Sorrentino’s Compassion House; cancer patients/survivors; family, friends, and caregivers of cancer patients/survivors; and medical professionals/students.

About Our Inspiring Speakers

Chris Sellar, PhD, Project Coordinator, ACE Study

After completing his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with a focus on working with generally healthy and athletic individuals, Chris began his PhD training under the supervision of Dr. Kerry Courneya, who holds a Canadian Research Chair in Physical Activity and Cancer and is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta.

Through his PhD, Chris had the opportunity to work on numerous research trials on the effects of exercise training both during and after cancer treatments, in many different cancer survivor groups including breast, prostate, lymphoma, and colorectal cancer. Chris is currently the project coordinator for the ACE Study, which has the goal of incorporating exercise into the clinical care for cancer survivors across the province.

Tiffany Blake, Former Guest of Sorrentino’s Compassion House

In June 2020, Tiffany was diagnosed with Stage III Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and underwent 5 rounds of chemotherapy, 25 external and 58 hours internal radiation sessions. All treatment was provided at the Cross Cancer Institute over 6 consecutive weeks and during treatment, she stayed at Sorrentino’s Compassion House.

It was during her stay that she learnt about the amazing service the House provides to women outside of the Edmonton area during treatment. As a Compassion House Foundation Ambassador, her goal is to ensure the House will be available for all women going through cancer treatment for many years to come.

Tiffany and her family live in Fort McMurray. She works as a Safety Advisor in the Oil & Gas Sector.