Moving Cancer Care

In short

Every year, more than 70,000 people in Belgium are diagnosed with cancer. For most, this means months of intensive treatment and persistent side effects. In the practice-oriented research project Moving Cancer Care, we explore how physical activity can be structurally embedded in standard cancer care.

The project maps barriers and enablers among patients and healthcare and exercise professionals in Flanders and develops practical tools to support an active lifestyle during and after treatment.

Need and relevance

Recent scientific literature shows that physical activity during cancer treatment is highly beneficial and should be part of standard cancer care therapy.

A physically active lifestyle:

• alleviates adverse side effects of invasive treatments
• improves physical and social functioning
• enhances quality of life and self-image
• supports emotional wellbeing
• reduces sleep problems, fatigue, stress, anxiety and pain

Besides pharmacological therapy, physical activity is one of the most effective therapeutic interventions for people undergoing cancer treatment.

Yet many patients do not engage in structured or supervised exercise. Professionals often lack time, tools or clear pathways to guide them. This gap between evidence and practice calls for targeted research and practical solutions.

From approach to impact

The research follows a human centred design approach in two phases.

Phase 1: solving the right problem

• Barriers and enablers are mapped through qualitative and quantitative research.
• Patients as well as healthcare and exercise professionals are actively involved.
• Criteria for an effective and safe physical activity offer are defined, based on literature and best practices.

Phase 2: solving the problem right

• An inspiration handbook is co-created with the field.
• Two interactive guides are developed:
  • a conversation guide to support patients towards more movement
  • a checklist to build a high-quality physical activity offer

Moving Cancer Care mobilises not only patients, but cancer care itself. Research findings are translated into practical tools that strengthen professionals in their coaching role.

In doing so, the project contributes to sustainable knowledge development on physical activity in cancer and supports the structural integration of active lifestyles in routine cancer care.

Questions? More information?

Would you like more information about the research project or would you like to be informed about the inspiration manual (+ guides)? Contact the researchers