The University of Iowa is opening the state’s first Exercise Oncology Clinic, giving cancer patients statewide free access to evidence-based exercise services. The clinic is led by Dr. Jess Gorzelitz, a UI professor in the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology. She says there’s a national shift in how cancer is being treated, incorporating exercise and strength-training to substantially improve patient outcomes.
Cancer patients will be able to make use of the new clinic’s experts and exercise techniques in-person or remotely.
For now, the clinic is being based on referrals, as oncologists, nurses and others will refer their patients who they think would benefit the most from this type of service.
Gorezelitz says her research on home-based strength training for rural cancer survivors shows up to 70% of participants improving fitness at a clinically significant rate. She says the studies also show mortality risk reductions as high as 40% for cancer survivors who are physically active. For patients across Iowa who can’t easily come to Iowa City, the exercise kits she mentioned earlier will be free.
Recent political ads highlight how Iowa’s cancer rate is the second highest in the nation, and we’re one of only a few states where the cancer rate is rising. Gorezelitz says those stats inspire people like her to work even harder.
There is concern about long-term sustainability, as these exercise services not covered by most insurance policies. Gorezelitz says this is evidence-based medicine that changes patients’ symptoms and influences their treatment outcomes — and longevity — and she says it should be a priority in cancer care. Find out more at https://exerciseoncology.center.uiowa.edu
