Project Description:

The Department of Exercise and Sport Science (EXSS) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have worked collaboratively to develop a unique program designed to serve post-diagnosed breast cancer patients who live in North Carolina.

The purpose of “Get REAL & HEEL” (Get Recreation –Get Exercise – Get Active –Get Living) is to provide post-treatment breast cancer patients in N.C., an individualized prescriptive exercise and recreational therapy program. All patients enrolled in Get REAL & HEEL will work with a personal trainer and/or a recreational therapist to develop, implement, and participate in exercise and recreation activities designed to assist in the management of cancer treatment-related symptoms.

The overall program goal is to increase the chances of survivorship by providing patients with opportunities to strengthen their body and mind thereby contributing to increased quality of life during cancer treatment. The program will be offered free of charge to qualified individuals at EXSS facilities on the campus of UNC-CH. Each patient will participate in the program for a period of 5 months, 3 times per week.