Active Living after Cancer (ALAC) is an evidence-based cancer survivorship program developed and implemented in partnership with the Behavioral Science Department of MD-Anderson Cancer Treatment Center. This program is funded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to help improve the quality of life of sedentary cancer survivors in the El Paso area. ALAC is a 12 week workshop series aimed at increasing lifestyle physical activity of cancer survivors by incorporating behavioral skill training. This program teaches behavioral and cognitive skills to help cancer survivors increase physical activity by incorporating moderate intensity physical activity into their daily life. In addition, the program provides support related to quality of life issues and health faced by cancer survivors, including lymphedema, psychological distress, nutrition, and fatigue, and will navigate participants to appropriate services when needed.
Outcome: After five years of program implementation 472 people have been screened and completed eligibility, and 335 cancer survivors and caregivers have been successfully enrolled in the program. Program staff has committed more than 850 hours of their time to deliver and implement 35–12 week session groups. In addition, 52 cancer survivors identified in need received patient navigation to follow-up post-treatment services.
