Exercise can help prevent cancer, reduce the chance that it will come back (recur), provide relief from treatment related side-effects and improve quality of life for survivors.
women have a lifetime risk of breast cancer in the U.S.
higher breast cancer death rate in Black women compared to White women in the U.S.
million women are living with a history of breast cancer in the U.S.
Currently, there are no tailored, livestreamed, strength training programs available for survivors.
The STARS Exercise (Strength Training And Research for Survivorship) program is an inclusive, online strength training program for Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) cancer survivors, and a force for change based on cancer research. The Strength Class was developed based on science, our experience as Pilates and fitness instructors, and national guidelines. The STARS Strength Class, launched in January 2021, integrates cancer survivorship education with strength exercises tailored for survivors and music to create an uplifting community. Our long-term impact will be to reduce breast cancer mortality among women of color and improve overall health.