World Cancer Day was on February 4th, we join the global movement to raise awareness, improve education, and promote action against cancer. This month, we explore the invaluable role that Health and Wellness Coaches play in supporting individuals at every stage of their cancer journey: before, during, and after treatment.
1. Before Cancer: Prevention and Lifestyle Optimization
Health and Wellness Coaches are pivotal in empowering individuals to adopt and sustain healthy lifestyles that can reduce cancer risk. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 50% of cancers can be prevented through modifiable lifestyle factors, such as:
- Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (American Cancer Society).
- Staying physically active and managing weight effectively (National Cancer Institute).
- Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption (WHO).
- Managing stress and promoting mental well-being, which can impact immune function (National Institute on Aging).
Evidence: A study published in the Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that individuals working with health coaches were 45% more likely to sustain long-term lifestyle changes that reduce cancer risk factors, including improved dietary habits and increased physical activity (Journal of Lifestyle Medicine).
Coaches work collaboratively with clients to set goals, track progress, and build long-term habits, ensuring sustainable lifestyle changes.
2. During Cancer: Support Through Treatment
Cancer treatment often brings physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Health and Wellness Coaches can serve as compassionate partners, helping clients to:
- Navigate treatment side effects: By addressing fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms with strategies like tailored nutrition and gentle exercise (American Cancer Society).
- Build resilience: Encouraging mindfulness and stress-reduction practices such as meditation or journaling to enhance emotional well-being (Cancer Support Community).
- Enhance communication with healthcare teams: Supporting clients in preparing questions and advocating for their needs during medical consultations.
Evidence: A 2021 randomized trial reported in the Journal of Supportive Oncology demonstrated that cancer patients receiving coaching alongside standard care experienced a 30% improvement in overall treatment satisfaction and emotional well-being (Journal of Supportive Oncology).
Coaches complement medical teams by focusing on holistic wellness, ensuring clients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their treatment.
3. After Cancer: Recovery and Thriving
The post-treatment phase can be both rewarding and challenging as survivors adjust to a "new normal." Health and Wellness Coaches help clients rebuild their lives by:
- Addressing lingering side effects: Creating personalized plans to manage fatigue, pain, or changes in physical ability (Macmillan Cancer Support).
- Reintegrating into daily life: Assisting clients in returning to work, socializing, or engaging in activities that bring joy and purpose.
- Promoting long-term health: Focusing on regular follow-ups, physical activity, and mental health to reduce the risk of recurrence and enhance overall quality of life (Survivorship Guidelines by NCCN).
Evidence: Data from the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine indicates that cancer survivors who worked with health and wellness coaches were 40% more likely to report improved quality of life and adherence to health-promoting behaviors than those who did not (American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine).
Multidisciplinary Teams
In the realm of cancer care, health and wellness coaches (HWCs) rarely operate in isolation. Instead, they are emerging as key members of a multidisciplinary team that traditionally includes oncologists and supportive care professionals. This team often comprises radiologists, medical practitioners, dietitians, occupational therapists, social workers, and even volunteers, among others. HWCs have the flexibility to collaborate with—and in some cases, step into roles typically filled by—these team members. However, it's crucial to remember that overcoming cancer is truly a collective effort; as the saying goes, "it takes a village." As healthcare services evolve and new models are introduced, the synergy among these professionals promises a more comprehensive and supportive experience for individuals on their cancer journey.
Specialized Training for Health and Wellness Coaches
The question of whether specialized training is necessary for HWCs working in the cancer space is frequently raised. Several organizations provide in-depth training programs and even credential professionals as “Cancer Coaches.” For example, institutions like the International Coach Federation set standards for coaching practices, while various specialized programs focus on the unique challenges faced in oncology. To be effective in this field, a coach must not only master the core competencies of health and wellness coaching but also develop a robust understanding of different cancers, treatment protocols, and potential side effects. Whether a coach needs to have personal experience with a cancer diagnosis is a complex issue that ultimately should be decided by the client when selecting the right professional for their needs.
For further reading on multidisciplinary cancer care and the role of supportive services, consider resources from the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute.
Starting the Conversation
This World Cancer Day, let’s recognize and amplify the impact of Health and Wellness Coaches in the cancer journey. We invite expert coaches specializing in cancer care to share their insights, experiences, and resources. Have an article, training, blog, or story to contribute? We’d love to feature your work on our LinkedIn page!
Together, we can inspire hope, build resilience, and empower communities to take action against cancer.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation today!
Further information and resources
Training Wellness Coaching Australia: Health and Wellness Coaching in Cancer
https://cancerchoices.org/whole-person-cancer-care/
MUIH Integrative Oncology Patient Navigator Training Program - Continuing Education
Caregiver Health & Wellbeing Coaching
References
“What Do We Know About Group Health Coaching and Cancer?” This scoping review explores group health coaching (GHC) interventions for cancer patients and survivors, focusing on program composition and outcomes like physical activity, diet, weight loss, and quality of life.
O'Malley DM, Davis SN, Amare R, Sanabria B, Sullivan B, Devine KA, Ferrante JM, Findley PA, Miller SM, Hudson SV. User-Centered Development and Patient Acceptability Testing of a Health-Coaching Intervention to Enhance Cancer Survivorship Follow-up in Primary Care. J Cancer Educ. 2022 Jun;37(3):788-797. doi: 10.1007/s13187-020-01883-2. Epub 2020 Oct 7. PMID: 33025453; PMCID: PMC8024404.
User-Centered Development and Patient Acceptability Testing of a Health-coaching Intervention to Enhance Cancer Survivorship Follow-up in Primary Care - PMC Health and wellness coaching can improve the resilience of cancer caregivers. Coaching interventions focus on emotional support, stress management, and behavior change techniques that enhance caregivers’ ability to cope with challenges. Shin JY, Choi SW. Online interventions geared toward increasing resilience and reducing distress in family caregivers. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. 2020 Mar;14(1):60-66. doi: 10.1097/SPC.0000000000000481. PMID: 31842019; PMCID: PMC6996606.
INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE CAREGIVER RESILIENCE - PMC
Wellness Coaching Intervention for Increasing Healthy Behaviors in Breast Cancer Survivors - PMC
Does Health Coaching Grow Capacity in Cancer Survivors? A Systematic Review | Population Health Management Barakat S, Boehmer K, Abdelrahim M, Ahn S, Al-Khateeb AA, Villalobos NÁ, Prokop L, Erwin PJ, Fleming K, Serrano V, Spencer-Bonilla G, Murad MH. Does Health Coaching Grow Capacity in Cancer Survivors? A Systematic Review. Popul Health Manag. 2018 Feb;21(1):63-81. doi: 10.1089/pop.2017.0040. Epub 2017 Jun 21. PMID: 28636526.
Facilitators of peer coaching/support engagement and dissemination among women at risk for and surviving with breast cancer - PMC Rehberg K, Fleischmann A, Silber E, O'neill SC, Lewis FM, Tercyak KP. Facilitators of peer coaching/support engagement and dissemination among women at risk for and surviving with breast cancer. Transl Behav Med. 2021 Feb 11;11(1):153-160. doi: 10.1093/tbm/ibz186. PMID: 31886505; PMCID: PMC7877295.
Wellness Coaching Intervention for Increasing Healthy Behaviors in Breast Cancer Survivors. Stan DL, Cutshall SM, Adams TF, Ghosh K, Clark MM, Wieneke KC, Kebede EB, Donelan Dunlap BJ, Ruddy KJ, Hazelton JK, Butts AM, Jenkins SM, Croghan IT, Bauer BA. Wellness Coaching: An Intervention to Increase Healthy Behavior in Breast Cancer Survivors. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2020 Jun 1;24(3):305-315. doi: 10.1188/20.CJON.305-315. PMID: 32441691; PMCID: PMC7486982.
