The program “Exercise Interventions in Children with Cancer-EXITCAN” aims to improve-in the long run-their health and their psychological state. In accordance with the European strategic plan of the European Society for Pediatric Oncology (SIOP Europe) and Childhood Cancer International – Europe (CCI – Europe) the goal is to improve both the efficiency of the treatment and the quality of life of the patients, based on the following:

– Special exercises to improve fitness and overall well-being of children

 – Designing wellness programs for children who have survived of or who have cancer, through alternative methods, for example: yoga, mindfulness practices etc. These programs will also involve the participation of the close social environment (e.g., brothers, sisters, friends) to strengthen their socialization

 – Training of health professionals (doctors, nursing staff, sports teachers), and training of the people who are taking care of these children (parents, guardians, teachers).

Innovation

EXITCAN is innovative in terms of both content and implementation actions. It is an integrated approach to the issue of the effect of physical activity on the combating of children’s cancer.

One of the most potent cancer-fighting weapons is exercise. While the benefits of a regular fitness program include keeping the pounds off, improving blood pressure and mental outlook, exercise can also halt the onset of some diseases. Several studies have shown that physical activity is linked with decreased risk of some cancers, particularly breast and colon cancer.

This project aims to include different actors involved in sport, nutrition, health giving the opportunity to have a complete overview of the situation and give sustainable solutions focused on the tackling of children’s cancer. Furthermore, it enhances the importance of the exercise for children, through innovative educational material and prevention tools easily accessible from tablets and mobiles.

Partnership

Coordinator:

P1-University Research Institute for the Study of Genetic & Malignant Disorders in Childhood (U.R.I) is a unique national center for the clinical and molecular study and targeted therapies of genetic developmental, metabolic, endocrine, neurological, behavioral and neoplastic diseases of childhood and adolescence, including those of many Rare Diseases. It performs world class research in human developmental biology and pathology, and mentors and teaches many young physician-scientists or scientists the scientific method.

The University Research Institute is part of and resides in a “Pediatric Campus”, one of the largest pediatric complexes of Europe, which consists of 2 tertiary pediatric hospitals, a pediatric oncologic unit, 2 research institutes, 4 University Departments, many clinical residency training, educational, doctorate, and post-graduate programs, but also special units, like the only childhood bone marrow transplantation in Greece.

P2-KOINSEP en drasei is an organization operates within the framework of “Social Economy”. At the same time, it organizes and organizes all kind of educational events, by developing pilot projects and by designing methodologies for the promotion and dissemination of sports, ecotourism and health tourism through all kinds of events and initiatives. For example, by exploiting and exploiting camping sites for the education of children in sports, proper nutrition and health education, or organizing sporting events for all ages for day-to-day physical activity. Another important part of the actions is the implementation of information programs and events to raise awareness and educate the public about their correct consumption behavior on the basis of health and nutrition criteria and the promotion of Greek nutritional culture and the benefits of Greek products in health promotion.

P3-Fundación Red Deporte y Cooperación (RDC) is a Spanish NGO that promotes education, health, integration and employability through sport. We are experienced in more than 20 countries worldwide carrying out programs in the community, focusing on youth development. Red Deporte has been sponsored by EU Youth program with European Voluntary Service, Grundtvig and EU Preparatory Action in the Field of Sport.

In 2002 RDC launched its sport for integration department in Spain, working at schools, educational centers and sport clubs promoting youth integration and employability. We use sport as a tool to develop life and employability skills, focusing on underprivileged young men and women at risk of social exclusion. Since 2004 have organized many training courses and organized conferences on sport as a tool for psycho social integration. Red Deporte is an NGO with ECOSOC consultative status in the Economic and Social Council of United Nations.

P4-WYŻSZA SZKOŁA BIZNESU I NAUK O ZDROWIU (WSBINOZ) is the first non-public higher education institution in central Poland that offers health-allied and medical-allied studies as well as business and pedagogy faculties. The world class school facility and an outstanding training atmosphere promoted by highly competent and most distinguished specialist, practitioners and academic teachers guarantee the unique and ambitious curriculum, theoretical knowledge and practical skills so desired in professional life. Young adults are taught how to take advantage of the acquired skills and knowledge as well as to keep on developing personal abilities and become professionally successful. At the current stage has more than 60-70 full-time employees and more than 200 academic teachers on contract.

WSBINOZ conducts numerous researches and educational projects, cooperates with various educational, health care, sport-allied and business-allied institutions, remains locally and regionally active in the field of conference and workshops organization, social work and community elicitation. Prominent and well-qualified managers, determined students and academics guarantee its successful development and involvement in various thematic projects related to development of new ideas and services, curriculum building, preparation course syllabus, elaboration of materials and terminology for thematic courses and others.

P5-European University Cyprus (EUC) is a thriving, international university which grew out of Cyprus College over 60 years ago. Known for its student-centered, technology-driven and employment-focused academics, EUC attracts students due to its rich past, its exciting present and its bright future. Rising in international rankings, EUC is committed to excellence in research, innovation in program design and continuous professional development of our faculty using the most up-to-date teaching methodologies and technologies.

European University Cyprus is the first university in Cyprus and Greece to be rated by QS TOP UNIVERSITIES (QS Stars)—which  ranks many of the most prestigious universities in the United States, Canada and Europe—placing EUC among the top universities in the world on the basis of its performance in several categories.

The QS Stars University Rating evaluates an institution on  50 different indicators and awards universities between one and five stars in a range of fields.

European University Cyprus has been assessed with the highest distinction of 5 Stars in Teaching, Facilities, Inclusiveness, Employability, Social Responsibility and Internationalization.

The School of Medicine offers a six-year Doctor of Medicine degree and a five- year Dental Surgery DBS degree.  Graduates are equipped to make a direct impact on people’s lives as medical doctors or dental surgeons.

P6-Swedish Sports Confederation, Västerbotten (VIF/SSCV)

The Swedish Sports Confederation is an umbrella organization consisting of 70 special sports federations and 21 district sports federations.

In relation to its geography and population, Sweden is one of the world’s most sporting nations. Almost half of Sweden’s seven million inhabitants between the ages of 7 and 70 are members of a sports club – as active competitors, keep-fitters, leaders, trainers or supporters.

Some two million of these are active in sports. Less than one per cent of this figure can be said to belong to the elite; that is, they compete at national championship level.

Sport has an even more dominant position among youngsters. More than two out of every three boys and every other girl between the ages of 7 and 15 belong to a sports club. The profile of Swedish sports is youth sports and sport-for-all. There are some 20 000 sports clubs in towns and villages throughout Sweden. 12 000 of these organize sports for children and young people.

The Swedish Sports Confederation proactively works towards encouraging a lifelong participation of sport.

Results

Need analysis for the recent evidence

The aim of this activity is the mapping of current state of the art. This activity aims to deeply analyse the current situation regarding the level, in particular in partner countries and in the European context. The research will concern a specific focus on knowledge and understanding about the state of the art regarding the impact of exercise on health and physical function among children during and after treatment for cancer and a focused study on the possible target groups’ participation in every partner Country.

 Creation of E-Handbooks/manuals for exercise

The aim is the creation of Electronic Handbooks/Manuals of Exercise based on the results of Need analysis.

The Manuals will be developed by participatory methodology which will include the recruitment and involvement of key actors/informants: doctors, nursing staff, sports teachers, nutritionists, psychologists.

The educational method that will be adopted will not be passive educational methods, i.e., listening, methods of active participation are also included. The outline of these methods is the simple and participatory observation, theatrical play and role-playing, activation, group presentation, teaching each other and others. These methods are applied with the direct participation of the participants and the aim is to develop their perception on the subjects of exercise, nutrition, and enriching their relevant knowledge and experience.

 NEWS

Transnational meeting in Athens, Greece

Hybrid (Face-to-Face/Teams) Meeting

June 20-21, 2022

Transnational meeting in Madrid, Spain

Hybrid (Face-to-Face/Teams) Meeting

October 31, 2022

Transnational meeting in Łódź, Poland

January, 23/01/2023

Transnational meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus

March, 27/03/2023