The new initiative will raise awareness and support fitness professionals in delivering programs for individuals living with and beyond cancer.

Washington, DC–July 27, 2026–The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) today announced a strategic partnership with the American Cancer Society to expand access to exercise oncology programs across the United States, helping individuals living with and beyond cancer benefit from safe, effective physical activity.

The partnership will focus on increasing awareness of the role exercise plays during and after cancer treatment while equipping fitness professionals and facilities with the training, tools, and resources needed to better support this growing population.

Nearly 70% of individuals living with and beyond cancer experience physical effects from treatment, many of which can be reduced or prevented through targeted exercise interventions. At the same time, access to qualified exercise professionals and specialized programming remains limited.

“Research continues to show that staying active before, during, and after cancer treatment can improve strength, reduce treatment side effects, and greatly support emotional well-being,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society. “Every person should have the opportunity to take an active role in their health and recovery. The future of cancer care depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but also on proven supportive care designed around the life of the person living with cancer. The American Cancer Society’s partnership with the Health & Fitness Association puts this belief into action by connecting more people with educational resources and exercise programs that help them live more and better days.” 

Through a two-pronged approach, the partnership will address both awareness and access:

• A national awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of physical activity during and after cancer treatment
• An Exercise Oncology Grants Program to support workforce training and program development at fitness facilities

Together, these efforts aim to expand the availability of evidence-based exercise programs and better integrate physical activity into cancer care and recovery.

“The evidence is clear that physical activity can play a powerful role in improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with and beyond cancer,” said Greta Wagner, HFA interim president and chief executive officer. “This partnership is about bridging the gap between what we know works and what people can actually access, by equipping fitness professionals with the tools and training to meet this need in communities across the country.”

The Exercise Oncology Grants Program, funded by the American Cancer Society and administered by the HFA Foundation, will provide funding to select fitness facilities to support staff training, program development, and implementation of exercise oncology services. Facilities will also participate in a structured learning network to share best practices and implementation strategies.  

The HFA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to advancing physical activity as a driver of individual and community health, connects fitness facilities with local communities to expand access to evidence-based programs, and resources that improve health outcomes.

In parallel, the awareness campaign will deliver educational resources, digital content, and industry engagement opportunities to help fitness professionals better understand how to safely and effectively work with individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.

“This grant program aligns with the HFA Foundation’s mission to elevate the importance of physical activity and its impact on community health by equipping exercise professionals with the specialized skills needed to serve individuals undergoing cancer treatment,” said Amy Bantham, executive director of the HFA Foundation. “By investing in workforce development and supporting HFA member facilities in delivering safe, effective exercise oncology programs, we help ensure that more individuals can benefit from the healing power of movement.”

There are currently more than 18 million cancer survivors in the United States, a number expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Expanding access to exercise oncology programs represents a critical opportunity to improve long-term health outcomes and quality of life for this population.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment by HFA and the American Cancer Society to advance the role of physical activity as a foundational component of health and recovery, while empowering fitness professionals to play a greater role in supporting individuals across the continuum of care.

Acerca de la Asociación de Salud y Forma Física

The Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA), a global community of industry leaders, is the only worldwide trade association providing a unified voice for the community of leaders who operate health and fitness facilities, offer professional guidance on physical activity, and provide the tools and equipment to do so to the millions of fitness facility members who understand that exercise improves their physical and mental health. Through advocacy, education, and research, the association speaks to opportunities, challenges, and changes that are moving the industry into a new era.

Founded in 1981, the association publishes a monthly magazine, Health & Fitness Business, and operates The HFA Show, the HFA European Congress, and the Fly-In and Advocacy Summit. The association also partners on events around the world, including Fitness Brasil, ChinaFit, MEFIT Summit and Wellness & Fitness LATAM. Follow the Health & Fitness Association on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.