A pedagogical initiative promoting Exercise is Medicine® for Cancer Prevention and Supportive Care

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Publication Title

Advances in physiology education

Keywords

Humans, Neoplasms, Problem-Based Learning, Exercise, Exercise Therapy, Medical Oncology

Abstract

Cancer is a major global health challenge. Despite strong evidence supporting exercise in cancer prevention and care, its integration into treatment plans remains limited. This paper outlines an experiential learning initiative combining cancer prevention, exercise physiology, and innovative teaching to raise awareness of exercise in cancer prevention and care. An interdisciplinary team from a professional organization designed and implemented an Exercise is Medicine(®) video-based challenge. Undergraduate students created short, evidence-based videos that highlighted exercise's role in cancer prevention and care. Submissions were evaluated by the team and also shared for public voting at an annual regional conference. The challenge engaged 14 students, producing 12 videos with credible evidence and creative media. Finalist videos, promoted through social media and professional networks, generated over 1,000 views, broadening awareness of exercise oncology. Awards recognized top submissions, encouraging student engagement, collaboration, and advocacy for exercise in cancer care. The initiative showed that students could synthesize and communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. This novel, student-driven initiative demonstrated that experiential learning can be meaningfully integrated into physiology principles of oncology care. By engaging students in creative, evidence-based communication, the project deepened understanding of exercise's pathophysiological basis in cancer care and stressed multidisciplinary collaboration. This scalable educational model raises awareness of exercise oncology among future health professionals and supports a workforce ready to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based cancer care.

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Neoplasms; Problem-Based Learning; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Medical Oncology

PubMed ID

41442166

ePublication

ePub ahead of print

Volume

50

Issue

1

First Page

216

Last Page

222

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