Author : Wellness For Cancer Initiative Date : March 31, 2025

Wellness for Cancer Initiative

2025 Trends

The New Wave of Cancer Recovery and Wellness

Cancer recovery and prevention are undergoing a transformative shift, with innovative trends reshaping the way we think about survivorship, wellness, and support. From outdoor recreation programs that empower cancer survivors through adventure to the rise of self-empowerment initiatives led by survivors themselves, these trends are redefining the cancer journey. Employers are stepping up, integrating cancer prevention and support into workplace wellness programs, recognizing the need for early detection, personalized care, and financial assistance. Additionally, the growing trend of cancer-friendly travel encourages patients to embrace life and explore the world with proper support. These developments highlight a collective movement toward empowering cancer patients and survivors, providing them with the tools, resources, and support needed to not just survive but thrive. Each of these trends demonstrates the power of innovation and community in reshaping the future of cancer.

TREND 1: Healing in the Wild: How Outdoor Recreation is Transforming Cancer Recovery

Cancer survivorship is no longer solely about treatment—it’s about reclaiming life. Around the world, outdoor recreation programs are transforming the recovery journey, demonstrating that adventure, movement, and connection to nature can be as healing as medicine. Organizations from the Rocky Mountains to the European Alps are leading nature-based healing programs, assisting survivors in rebuilding strength, resilience, and joy.

Epic Experience: Pushing Boundaries, Restoring Confidence

Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, Epic Experience offers free adventure camps for adult cancer survivors. Through activities such as whitewater kayaking, snowshoeing, and hiking, participants rediscover their physical capabilities while forming lasting bonds with others who share similar journeys. Hospitals and cancer centers increasingly support these programs, recognizing their role in mental and physical rehabilitation.

First Descents: Out Living It

First Descents takes young adults affected by cancer on transformational outdoor adventures—surfing in the ocean, climbing rugged cliffs, or paddling through whitewater. These experiences foster camaraderie, boost confidence, and instill a renewed sense of purpose, helping survivors reconnect with life beyond their diagnosis.

Outdoor Against Cancer: A Global Movement

Europe is increasingly embracing this trend. Outdoor Against Cancer (OACCUs) recently obtained funding from the European Union to incorporate outdoor activities, nutrition, and mental wellness into cancer recovery programs across several countries. This initiative highlights the growing acknowledgment of nature as a form of medicine.

Outdoor recreation is more than just an escape; it’s a vital component of healing. Whether scaling mountains, riding waves, or simply hiking through the woods, survivors are reclaiming their bodies, minds, and sense of adventure—one step, paddle, or climb at a time.

Sources

TREND 2: Travel with Cancer: Embracing Joy, Connection, Relaxation, and Life

For many cancer patients, travel is more than just a getaway—it’s an opportunity to embrace joy, strengthen social connections, and find relaxation amid life’s challenges. Whether fulfilling a bucket list dream or simply stepping into a new environment, travel can be an empowering and healing experience. However, travelers with cancer have unique needs that require careful planning, support, and accommodations.

The Benefits of Travel for Cancer Patients

  1. Before the trip – Anticipating travel can enhance emotional well-being and provide motivation. Consulting healthcare providers, arranging medications, and selecting destinations with medical accessibility are crucial steps (Fox Chase Cancer Center, 2024).
  2. During the trip, travel offers relaxation, mental clarity, and social connection. A flexible itinerary, accessible accommodations, and an awareness of treatment side effects contribute to a smoother experience (Roswell Park, 2024).
  3. After the trip, the memories and sense of accomplishment from travel reinforce resilience and enhance mental health. Many cancer survivors discover that travel rejuvenates their energy and outlook on life (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).

Creating a Supportive Travel Experience

Travel advisors are enhancing their skills through programs such as Wellness Travel University and Travel with Cancer, acquiring knowledge in medical considerations, accessible travel planning, and emotional support. These specialized courses assist advisors in crafting enriching experiences tailored to the unique needs of cancer travelers.

Fulfilling the Bucket List

Stanford research highlights the importance of bucket list travel, demonstrating that meaningful experiences provide cancer patients with a sense of control, fulfillment, and joy in the present moment (ASCO, 2024).

With careful preparation and growing industry support, cancer patients can continue to embrace life—one journey at a time.

Sources

TREND 3: Employers Step Up: The New Wave of Workplace Cancer Prevention and Support

Cancer has become the primary driver of employer healthcare costs, surpassing musculoskeletal conditions. With 40% of employers anticipating an increase in late-stage cancer cases and 13% already experiencing this impact, businesses are taking action to enhance prevention and support.

How Employers Are Leading the Change

  1. Expanding Cancer Screenings and Genetic Testing
    Employers are enhancing benefits to include early detection and genetic testing. Walmart has teamed up with Mayo Clinic to offer employees access to specialized cancer care.
  2. Personalized Cancer Care & Patient Navigation
    Companies are integrating personalized medicine and enhancing cancer navigation programs to assist employees in coordinating care, understanding treatment options, and managing costs.
  3. Financial & Benefits Support
    Employers are covering out-of-pocket expenses, second opinions, and survivorship care. Early intervention strategies focus on reducing long-term healthcare costs while enhancing employee outcomes.
  4. Addressing Social Determinants of Health
    Recognizing disparities in access to care, ExxonMobil donated $10 million to MD Anderson to enhance cancer prevention programs in underserved communities.

The Future of Workplace Cancer Care

Employers are shifting from treatment-centered approaches to prevention, early detection, and comprehensive support. By investing in screenings, care coordination, and financial assistance, businesses are reshaping workplace wellness to foster a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Sources

TREND 4: Empowerment Rising: Cancer Survivors Leading the Charge

A growing trend in the cancer community is the emergence of self-empowerment initiatives led by survivors who transform adversity into platforms for change. These individuals are establishing organizations, writing books, and creating programs that inspire and support others facing similar challenges.

Joelle Kaufman’s Crushing the Cancer Curveball

Joelle Kaufman, drawing on over 40 years of personal and family experience with cancer, authored “Crushing the Cancer Curveball: A Playbook for the Newly Diagnosed and Their Family and Friends. “Her book offers practical strategies to help individuals navigate a cancer diagnosis with confidence and build a strong support network.

Kathy Giusti’s Fatal to Fearless

Kathy Giusti, a two-time cancer survivor, wrote “Fatal to Fearless: 12 Steps to Beating Cancer in a Broken Medical System.“ Her book guides navigating the healthcare system, advocating for oneself, and making informed treatment choices.

Petra Thaller’s Outdoor Against Cancer

Petra Thaller, a cancer survivor, founded Outdoor Against Cancer (OAC) to promote physical activity as a part of recovery. OAC hosts outdoor events that build resilience and foster a sense of community among participants.

Trevor Maxwell’s Man Up to Cancer

Trevor Maxwell, a colon cancer survivor, founded Man Up to Cancer, a movement that helps men connect and avoid isolation. His organization fosters a robust support network, encouraging open discussions about the emotional and mental challenges of cancer.

This trend underscores the increasing impact of patient-led empowerment. Survivors are forming networks, advocating for improved healthcare, and encouraging others to seize control of their journeys with strength and resilience.

Sources

TREND 5: Hospitals Double Down with Free Acupuncture & Massage Practitioner Training at 35 Cancer Centers

The IMAGINE project, led by Dr. Jun J. Mao of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), is revolutionizing pain management in oncology. This initiative offers free acupuncture and oncology massage training to practitioners at 35 academic and community cancer centers across the U.S., thereby making integrative therapies more accessible to cancer patients (SIO, 2024).

Building on the success of the PCORI-funded IMPACT trial, which demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture and massage in managing pain for advanced cancer patients, the IMAGINE project focuses on real-world implementation. This initiative aligns with clinical guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which recommend these therapies as part of comprehensive cancer care (SIO, 2024).

Pain management continues to be a major challenge in oncology, and non-pharmacological methods such as acupuncture and massage provide evidence-based solutions that reduce dependence on opioids. By training practitioners in these therapies, the IMAGINE project guarantees that more patients can obtain effective, integrative pain relief.

As hospitals across the country commit to expanding integrative wellness support care, the IMAGINE project stands as a model for future advancements in complementary cancer treatment.

Sources:

 

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip

Download zip