Model for a community-based exercise program for cancer survivors: taking patient care to the next level.

This article describes the development and refinement of a not-for-profit, community-based exercise program, the Cancer Foundation For Life (CFFL), designed to improve quality of life (QOL) for persons with cancer, regardless of type or stage of disease. Beginning in 2001, policies and procedures were developed, and personnel were hired and trained. Program evaluation measured safety, exercise adherence, demographic variables, and QOL. CFFL had nearly 3,000 referrals and handled more than 66,000 patient encounters in 2010. Financial and social resources for the program have been established through collaboration with existing institutions (churches, cancer centers, hospitals, and community centers), in conjunction with community support. American College of Sports Medicine guidelines presented at the ASCO 2010 meeting recommend exercise for persons with cancer. The CFFL program provides a cost-effective and safe exercise program for persons with all types and stages of cancer that meets these recommended guidelines.