Lifestyle Medicine Program for Gynecologic Cancer

(HEAL-GYN Trial)

This trial tests an 8-week program called the Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle (HEAL)-GYN, designed for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. The program aims to assess its impact on participants' confidence in managing their health, physical activity, diet, mental health, and overall well-being. It also examines changes in health indicators, such as biometrics and biomarkers. Ideal candidates have recently completed cancer treatment, reside in Central Florida, and speak English. Participants should have finished chemotherapy within the past three months. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance post-treatment recovery and quality of life.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

Research has shown that the Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle (HEAL)-GYN program is safe for participants. In a study with cancer survivors, participants experienced reduced stress and anxiety and improved health without serious side effects. Another study on a similar program found that women who improved their diet and exercised regularly lived longer, healthier lives. These findings suggest that the HEAL-GYN program is well-tolerated and can lead to positive health changes. As the program involves changes in diet and exercise, it is generally considered safe and aims to enhance overall well-being.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle (HEAL): Gyn Cancer Program because it introduces an evidence-based lifestyle medicine approach for cancer survivors. Unlike traditional treatments for gynecologic cancer, which often focus on surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, this program emphasizes the benefits of healthy eating and physical activity to improve quality of life and potentially reduce cancer recurrence. By empowering survivors with practical lifestyle changes, the program aims to provide a holistic, non-invasive complement to conventional cancer therapies.

Research has shown that lifestyle changes can greatly benefit cancer survivors. In one study, participants in the Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle (HEAL) program, which participants in this trial will follow, reported feeling much less stressed and anxious. This program emphasizes healthy eating and regular exercise, which can lower the risk of gynecologic cancers. For example, exercising alone can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by 20-30%. These early findings suggest that a healthy lifestyle can boost mental health and overall well-being for those recovering from gynecologic cancers.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰