UVA Health is conducting a new study aimed at improving quality of life for post-treatment cancer survivors in rural Appalachia while also helping them live healthier.
Developed in collaboration with stakeholders from Southwest Virginia and backed by an American Cancer Society grant, the weSurvive program is designed to help cancer survivors make personalized changes to their nutrition and physical activity. The program is provided free to adult cancer survivors living in or near Appalachian counties in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Kentucky. The six-month program includes eight group sessions, one-on-one health coaching and weekly supportive text messages. Participants can join activities from the comfort of their homes using telehealth.
HELPING RURAL CANCER SURVIVORS AFTER TREATMENT
With advances in treatment and early detection, an increasing number of people are surviving cancer. There are 18 million cancer survivors in the United States, with almost 50% managing three or more chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. However, few programs support cancer survivors in maintaining healthy lifestyles after their cancer treatment is complete. University of Virginia School of Medicine and UVA Cancer Center’s Kathleen Porter, PhD, RD, aims to fill this gap through a study assessing whether the weSurvive program can improve the quality of life of post-treatment cancer survivors and help them live healthier lifestyles.