How do I find a Colorectal Cancer survivorship program

Colorectal CancerMay 17, 2026Navis AI

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For informational purposes only

This answer was generated by AI grounded in NCCN guidelines and published medical literature. It is not medical advice. Always consult your oncologist or care team before making treatment decisions.

Sources & medical oversight

Grounded in NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Colon Cancer — the same guidelines oncologists use.
Built by OpenCancer’s team of physician-scientists and cancer survivors.
Last updated May 17, 2026. Informational only — not a substitute for your oncology team.

Finding a Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Program

Great question—survivorship support is an important part of your cancer journey, and there are several ways to locate programs tailored to your needs.

What Survivorship Programs Offer

According to the resources from CancerPatientLab webinars, cancer survivorship programs address the often-overlooked challenges that persist after treatment ends, including:

Physical side effects: fatigue, neuropathy (nerve pain), and changes in body function
Emotional challenges: fear of recurrence, anxiety between scans, and feelings of isolation
Practical support: nutrition guidance, exercise programming, and managing long-term treatment effects
Psychosocial support: help navigating relationships, emotional adjustments, and quality of life

How to Find Programs in Your Area

1. Moving Through Cancer Registry

The most comprehensive resource is the Moving Through Cancer registry (available at movingthroughcancer.org). This registry:

Documents all oncology rehabilitation and exercise programs across the United States
Includes a validated triage tool you can fill out to identify what type of programming is best for YOUR specific situation
Directs you to programs in your geographic area OR online options if you prefer virtual support
Helps match you based on your cancer type, treatment history, and specific side effects

2. The After Cancer Platform

The After Cancer (mentioned in CancerPatientLab survivorship discussions) offers:

Virtual survivorship programs available in all 50 states
Personalized support based on your individual concerns
Educational resources you can access anytime
Group sessions with other survivors
Guidance on managing fear of recurrence, nutrition, exercise, and emotional challenges

3. Your Oncology Team

Ask your oncologist or care team for referrals to survivorship programs
Request documentation in your [ID removed] you've discussed survivorship care
Ask specifically about programs for colorectal cancer survivors

4. American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society provides:

Survivor support groups
Educational resources specific to colorectal cancer
Connections to local and online programs

What to Look for in a Program

According to exercise oncology research cited by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), effective survivorship programs should include:

Exercise programming: 90-150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, plus resistance training twice weekly
Nutrition guidance: Plant-forward diet with appropriate protein intake
Stress reduction: Mindfulness, meditation, or yoga
Personalization: Programs tailored to YOUR cancer type, treatment stage, and specific side effects
Professional support: Oncology-trained physical therapists, exercise specialists, and nutritionists

Important Considerations

Research shows that lifestyle interventions can reduce cancer-related side effects by 37% and improve overall survival, but only about 5% of cancer patients currently have access to these evidence-based programs. This is why finding the right program matters.

Questions to Ask When Evaluating Programs:

Is the program specifically designed for colorectal cancer survivors?
Do they offer personalized assessments based on my treatment history?
What credentials do the staff have? (Look for oncology-certified exercise physiologists, cancer dietitians, etc.)
Is it virtual, in-person, or hybrid? (Important if you have transportation or scheduling challenges)
What does it cost, and does insurance cover it?
Do they address both physical AND emotional/psychological needs?

Getting Started

Start with the Moving Through Cancer registry and the triage tool—this will give you personalized recommendations based on your specific situation. If you're in a rural area or have limited local options, the registry will guide you toward online programming.

Your oncology team should also be a resource—don't hesitate to ask them directly about survivorship programs they recommend for colorectal cancer patients.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.

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Source Guidelines

NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Colon Cancer (2026)Browse all NCCN Guidelines for Patients →

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