The PAC Lab is dedicated to the study of physical activity/exercise in individuals living with or affected by a cancer diagnosis. Our research examines how physical activity/exercise can help prepare patients for surgery/treatment (prehabilitation), better cope with and respond to treatments, recover from treatments (rehabilitation), and improve progression-free and long-term survival.
Our VISION is to make physical activity and exercise a part of standard cancer care.
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Our MISSION is to optimize the use of physical activity and exercise in cancer management and recovery.
Should fitness programming be standard care following a cancer diagnosis?
Hear what the experts have to say
This short film highlights the American College of Sports Medicine Moving Through Cancer Initiative and the goal of making exercise standard of cancer care by 2029. The PAC Lab is striving to reach this goal in Nova Scotia by 2025.
Have you or a loved one been recently diagnosed with a gynaecologic cancer?
Learn more about the benefits of following a fitness regimen for individuals living with gynaecologic cancer from Dr. Saciragic, a gynaecologic oncologist.
The PAC Lab is housed within the Department of Medicine in partnership with Dr. Chris Blanchard
Current Research Projects
Follow the links below to learn more about our ongoing research projects and how to get involved.
Activating Cancer Communities through an Exercise Strategy for cancer Survivors (ACCESS) is a 12-week study for individuals living within the Halifax Regional Municipality. Participants complete assessments before and after participating in a twice-weekly fitness program.
EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living well (EXCEL) is 12-week study for individuals who live outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Participants complete assessments before and after participating in a twice-weekly fitness program.
RESISTance exercise for brain cancer (RESIST) is a randomized control trial comparing standard of care to a 12-week resistance training program for individuals living with glioblastoma. Participants complete assessments before and after a 12-week period, with half the participants assigned to usual care and half assigned to usual care plus a 3-4 time/week fitness program.
PrehAbilitatioN in AdvanCEd ovArian cancer (PANACEA) is a study comparing standard of care to a 4+ week fitness program for individuals preparing to undergo surgery for advance ovarian cancer. Participants complete assessments when they enroll in the study, before surgery, and at one and three months after surgery. Participants choose whether to participate in the fitness program (in addition to receiving standard care) or the standard of care (without the fitness program) arm of the study.
MIBC is a study comparing standard of care to a 4+ week exercise program for individuals preparing to undergo surgery for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Participants complete assessments when they enroll in the study, before surgery, and at one and three months after surgery. Participants choose whether to participate in the fitness program (in addition to receiving standard care) or the standard of care (without the fitness program) arm of the study.
The Caring for Caregivers + (C4C+) is an exercise-based research study designed to explore the feasibility and impact of a self-selected exercise intervention on reducing burnout among oncology care professionals. We are seeking oncologists, nurses, social workers, and other oncology care providers to help tackle this significant issue. Participants complete assessments at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks and can choose between a guided fitness program or a self-guided nature walking program.