Dance the night away:
Enhancing Cancer Survivorship
“There is nothing more important to me as
a physician than your cancer treatment.
I’ve been in practice for nearly two decades
and have had the privilege of telling many
patients that there is life beyond cancer.
As president of The Center for Cancer
and Blood Disorders, I want to lead by
example, practicing a firm belief
that all patients should receive the finest medical
care available, with the same concern and
compassion as a cherished
member of the family.”
Ray Page, D.O., Ph.D.
President and Medical Oncologist
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Schedule appointments by calling
817-596-0637 or online at
www.thecentertx.com
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I recently was asked to give a “Shaping Public
Policy in Oncology” talk to the cancer doctors at
the Hawaiian Society of Clinical Oncology in Oahu.
Aside from me being one of the educators I was
also educated at this meeting.
The University of Hawaii Cancer Center is
conducting a study to see if exercise, specifically
hula, will help breast cancer survivors.
Just as physical activity has been shown to
reduce the risk of ever getting cancer, research
indicates that exercise decreases the risk of a
cancer recurrence and improves survival.
Oncologists agree that one of the best things
cancer survivors can do to remain healthy is to
get regular exercise.
However, getting folks to break a sweat isn’t
easy. Generally, dance is a promising way to
achieve positive outcomes, it’s something people
can enjoy.
A dozen ladies participated in the hula clinical
trial. They’re all breast cancer survivors who have
been treated within the past five years. For six
months the women met twice a week to dance.
These women found that dance engaged their
minds, body, and soul. They described it as
wonderful because it brought them to life.
From my osteopathic medical training one
mantra I was continually taught was “motion is
life”. If you can optimize the body’s structure and
function people do better – mentally, physically
and spiritually.
The ladies are enjoying hula so much, they’re still
dancing – even though the study has was
concluded.
There are two things that seem to impact
continued engagement:
1) Cultural relevance
2) Companionship.
So grab your partner and do-si-do ... now
promenade.
Although hula is great, cultural relevance may be
a stretch in Texas.
I suggest everyone should get a partner and
take up a dance you both have a connection with.
Whether it be salsa, belly dancing, square dancing,
ballroom, the two-step, or line dancing – dance
the night away.
To learn more about cancer care issues or to
consult with a physician about a cancer diagnosis,
contact us at 817.596.0637.