Sport and Exercise Options for Youth and Young Adults Living with Cancer-Related Fatigue in Northern Alberta

Abstract

This study examined the frequency of free or subsidized exercise programs for the purpose of negating cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors unable to afford expensive exercise options. A content analysis of 14 communities within Northern Alberta was performed. Results found only one exercise program, the Alberta Healthy Living Program (AHLP), to be targeted specifically at cancer survivors. Charities were found to directly mitigate the costs of playing organized sports for youth in 10 of the 14 communities. Community-hosted free exercise options were available for young adults in 6 of the 14 communities, and for adults in 4 of the 14 communities. Only 2 of the 14 communities had their own form of subsidization for organized sports. These findings demonstrate that youth are supported more effectively than adults.

Discipline: Sociology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Diane Symbaluk