CanWell is a 12-week supervised exercise and education program for people with cancer that started in March 2009. The program began as a research pilot project sponsored through one time funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Health Force Ontario Branch.
CanWell is a program that has been designed to address a gap in service for people with cancer. The programs offer evidence-based rehabilitation, prevention and education that empowers and supports participants to take control of their health in a safe, supportive, positive environment.
The results of the pilot project were positive. Participants significantly increased their muscle strength and functional capacity and also reported improved quality of sleep, mood and health-related quality of life.
CanWell participants and staff reported a high level of satisfaction with the program. The results were so positive that, following completion of the project in December 2009, CanWell is set to continue as a part of a series of specialty health and wellness programs offered at the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford in partnership with Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University.
The CanWell Program Team
| Genevieve Hladysh | General Manager, Community Health Program Development, YMCA Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford |
| Jan Park Dorsay | Nurse Practitioner, Rehabilitation Program, Hamilton Health Sciences |
| Oren Cheifetz | Physiotherapist, Oncology Program, Hamilton Health Sciences |
Joining CanWell
No medical referral is required to join CanWell. Participants do require a physician's clearance to exercise to help ensure the exercise can be performed in a safe manner. Please ask your doctor to complete this form. After an initial intake interview with a YMCA CanWell-trained staff member, an individualized exercise program will be developed.
Blocks of time in the fitness centre have been designated for CanWell participants to work directly with these staff members. As part of YMCA membership, CanWell participants also have full access to other YMCA programs.
Membership financial assistance is available if needed through the confidential YMCA Financial Assistance Program.
Please explore this site, and click here for CanWell program information. Click here for a printable Les Chater Family YMCA schedule, which also includes detailed information about YMCA membership fees, membership cancellations, and confidential membership fee assistance