Sweden launches cancer rehabilitation exercise initiative

A new collaboration has been launched in Sweden to improve access to evidence-based exercise for cancer patients. The project involves the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), the fitness organization Friskis&Svettis, and the Swedish network for Training and Cancer, SweCanMove.

Currently, approximately 600,000 people in Sweden are living with or have previously had cancer. The initiative aims to address the lack of national structures for maintaining physical activity outside of clinical healthcare settings. To ensure equitable rehabilitation, the project will provide digital training to approximately 8,000 Friskis&Svettis leaders, focusing on cancer-specific exercise, inclusion, and patient interaction. Some leaders will also undergo advanced certification to provide specialized expertise, creating a bridge between medical care and civil society.