Active Living after Cancer (ALAC), is a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) funded program in partnership with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The program aims to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors by promoting physical activity, and by providing navigation services for survivorship issues. A large and growing number of cancer survivors in Texas, especially those who are medically underserved, necessitates effective programs to help survivors improve their health and physical functioning, thereby reducing the risk of cancer recurrence or new cancers. 

Active Living after Cancer uses an alternative approach to increasing physical activity. Rather than promote a structured exercise regimen which would include the use of a gym or fitness equipment, the program recommends increased physical activity by incorporating short bouts of moderate intensity activity into daily life.  The program consists of 12 weekly sessions, followed by a reunion at the conclusion of the program. Each session is comprised of cognitive and behavioral skills training related to increasing physical activity, a guided discussion on a survivorship topic, and short bouts of moderate physical activity.

 "Our research showed this program improves survivors' quality of life," said Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D., Director of MD Anderson's Center for Energy Balance in Cancer Prevention and Survivorship. "We are now working to make it broadly available in the community." 

One of the goals of Active Living after Cancer is to overcome the barriers that prevent many people from re-engaging in an active lifestyle, including lack of access to a gym, lack of time and the deconditioning that makes it difficult to sustain exercise for an extended period of time.

The program is free of charge, and each participant will be provided a pedometer and a resistance band, that they may keep, to help them reach their physical activity goals.

Now Recruiting Cancer Survivors and Caregivers. For more information click here.

To be eligible to participate in the program, the participants must:

• Have a previous diagnosis of cancer at the time of enrollment.

• Not be receiving chemotherapy or radiation at the time of enrollment.

Classes are currently held virtually, to register please call:

• Houston locations (English): 713-442-1252

• Houston locations (Spanish): 713-442-1216

Learn more about the program.

For more information about the program, please email ALACprogram@mdanderson.org