Background
The Canyon Ranch Institute LIVESTRONG Celebrating Life After Cancer Program started in 2009 when 12 unique cancer survivors were selected to experience Canyon Ranch. During the program, Canyon Ranch guests and the 12 cancer survivors had the opportunity to attend more than 30 health and wellness activities focused on cancer prevention and survivorship. Because of the success of the program, Canyon Ranch Institute and LIVESTRONG are continuing the Celebrating Life After Cancer Program with Canyon Ranch.
Program participants are selected based upon a thorough review of their interest in cancer prevention and survivorship and outlook on life. The fellowship includes accommodations at the world-renowned Canyon Ranch health resort in Tucson, AZ, meals, fitness and exercise activities, and an allowance for services and lifestyle consultations with Canyon Ranch wellness professionals who work in the integrative health model.
The participants in this program are cancer survivors. The term "cancer survivor" includes all people who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as the people in their lives who are affected by their diagnosis – family members, friends, and caregivers.
How We're Making a Difference
Due to advances in detection, prevention, and treatment, the number of cancer survivors has tripled over the past 30 years.²
Cancer survivors experience many concerns after cancer treatment ends. This can include physical concerns that relate to the effects of cancer treatment; emotional concerns such as sadness, depression, and fear of cancer recurrence; and practical concerns like financial debt and insurance. Studies show that cancer survivors need additional support after cancer treatment ends.
Evaluation
To help capture the program participants' perspectives about the CRI LIVESTRONG Celebrating Life After Cancer Program, the cancer survivors participated in an informal discussion and completed a written questionnaire. Evaluation findings showed that the program participants were very grateful and satisfied with their experience. Feedback from the participants fell into three main areas:
- Positive Change
How Celebrating Life After Cancer changed how participants think and feel about their lives today and in the future as a cancer survivor; - Helpful Tools that Created Change
The specific experiences that led to the changes; and - Challenges
Suggested improvements for future programs.
Read the 2010 Evaluation Report
Read the 2010 6-Month Follow-up Evaluation Report
¹American Cancer Society; 2010. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/documents/document/acspc-026238.pdf
²http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2005/, based on November 2007 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site.
