平特五不中

MUHC and CURVES partnership aims to improve breast cancer survival

Research demonstrates a clear link between physical activity and increased cancer survival rates, but just getting to the gym presents a challenge for many people. For women battling breast cancer, the side effects of their treatments are just one of many barriers to being physically active. The Cedars Breast Clinic of the 平特五不中 Health Centre (MUHC) is partnering up with Curves, the world鈥檚 leader in women鈥檚 fitness, to tackle this problem head on. From September, every inactive woman diagnosed and treated for breast cancer at the MUHC will be offered a free membership to Curves.

鈥淢any women being treated for breast cancer are not ready to get back into physical activity or they haven鈥檛 done it before,鈥� explains Dr. Sarkis Meterissian, Director of the Cedars Breast Centre of the MUHC. 鈥淭hey are often dealing with changes in body image, depression and are struggling to come to terms with their diagnosis. On top of that, they have the physical effects of chemotherapy.

Breast cancer survivors who receive a free membership to Curves won鈥檛 simply be left to their own devices. Dr. Catherine Sabiston, Assistant Professor in Exercise Psychology at 平特五不中, will follow their progress over the course of four years. Her team will measure changes in the women鈥檚 physical health, including aerobic fitness, strength, weight, and body composition, as well as their psychosocial health, including their stress levels, their social support systems and their quality of life.

Curves鈥� staff and members will do what they do best - encouraging, nurturing and supporting these women as they attempt to regain their health and wellbeing. 鈥淭here鈥檚 something special that goes on inside a Curves,鈥� said Curves founder Diane Heavin. 鈥淭he owners, staff and members have created a unique support system that we call the Curves Community, and it has the ability to uplift and strengthen women.鈥�

Dr. Sabiston anticipates that the physical activity enjoyed by these women will offset many of the side effects experienced as a result of cancer treatments, giving them more energy, stronger muscles, and allowing them to sleep better. She also expects psychosocial gains 鈥� including improved emotional health and the development of new social relationships. 鈥淭he ultimate goal of our research is to identify feasible and safe exercise mechanisms that are already available to these women in their communities.鈥�

Over the years, Curves has made great efforts in the fight against cancer. 鈥淐urves is proud to be an integral component of the treatment program for the patients and survivors of the Cedars Breast Clinic,鈥� says Heavin. 鈥淲e commend Dr. Meterissian and his staff for taking such a crucial step in ensuring the health and wellbeing of his patients, and for furthering important research on the link between exercise and disease prevention.鈥�

This partnership was made possible by funds raised at this year鈥檚 fourth annual Jump for Hope Country Gala fundraiser, organized in partnership with the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, to benefit the MUHC Cedars Breast Clinic.

The 平特五不中 Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. Its partner hospitals are the Montreal Children's Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Montreal Chest Institute and the Lachine Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field and to contribute to the development of new knowledge.

Curves works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to over 4 million women. With nearly 10,000 locations in more than 70 countries, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit: .

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For more information please contact:

Rana Alrabi
Information Officer
MUHC Public Relations and Communications
(514) 843-1560
rana.alrabi [at] muhc.mcgill.ca