Living Well After Cancer

Studies have shown that leading a healthy lifestyle can help reduce a person’s risk for developing cancer and decrease the chances of cancer recurrence. For cancer patients, staying active and eating healthy compliments the medical care they receive. Also, reducing stress through activities such as Yoga, Tai Chi and meditation can lift a patient’s spirit and help manage the anxiety that accompanies cancer.

In an effort to improve the wellbeing of survivors in our region, VCU Massey Cancer Center established a committee of experts to launch Living Well After Cancer, a program that incorporates integrative medicine into cancer care and survivorship. Living Well After Cancer's goal is to connect survivors with the resources they need to reduce stress and live healthier lifestyles.

Upcoming exercise classes and wellness workshops

Massey has partnered with the YMCA of Greater Richmond to help connect patients, survivors and anyone else affected by cancer with the resources they need to improve their well-being. Quarterly, Massey and the Y will provide exercise classes and wellness workshops.

If you are currently in treatment or have recently had surgery, please provide a note from your physician stating that you may participate in our exercise classes.There is no cost to participate, but advance registration is required. RSVP for an upcoming class by calling (804) 628-1918 or email ccybulski@mcvh-vcu.edu.  

Yoga for suvivors
Classes were held in May at the Downtown YMCA

Water fitness for survivors
July 11, 18, 25 and August 1
4 p.m. at the Downtown YMCA 
2 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA.

Please arrive early to allow time to change into your bathing sute. Space is limited. RSVP by calling (804) 628-1918 or email ccybulski@mcvh-vcu.edu.

Living Well After Cancer seminars

In January and February, a series of seminars were held at the Science Museum of Virginia to introduce the concept and benefits of integrative medicine to cancer survivors in the Richmond community. The seminars were well attended, and participant surveys provided feedback to help plan future initiatives. Below are the presentations and community resources from those seminars:

January 18:     Healthy Eating with Diane Wilson, Ed.D., R.D. 
                      (presentation slides, community resources)
                       Yoga with Mary Shall, P.T., Ph.D. 
                      (presentation slides, community resources)

January 26:     Exercise with Stephen Gudas, Ph.D.
                      (presentation slides, community resources)
                       Tai Chi with Jo Lynne Robins, Ph.D., C.N.P.
                      (presentation slides, community resources)

February 2:      Smoking Cessation with Linda Hancock, Ph.D.
                       (presentation slides, community resources)
                       Mindful Meditation with D. Mark Cooper, D.Min.
                       (community resources)