“How Daily Lifestyle Interventions Improve Your Cancer Outcomes”

“How Daily Lifestyle Interventions Improve Your Cancer Outcomes” (Amanda Grilli) [#158] Brad Power August 27, 2025 “Exercise is, as you can imagine, the area with the strongest evidence for these lifestyle interventions, so much so that there's a huge specialized field known as exercise oncology that I'm sure maybe many of you have heard about before.

Over the past few decades, there has been tons of research in this field, and a lot of evidence is showing that exercise is not only safe for cancer patients and survivors, but it does really help to improve numerous cancer-related side effects, notably cancer-related fatigue, sleep, quality of life, anxiety, depression, body composition, function, bone health and breast-cancer-related lymphedema.

” – Amanda Grilli, PT, CLT “When it comes to implementing these interventions that we talked about, and you're looking at those numbers of 90 minutes per week, or 150 minutes per week, any movement is better than nothing.

Even if it means a day where you're more sedentary and you're sitting, even just doing any little movement while sitting is wonderful, and it's just about building upon that to maybe reach those goals one day. But anything is really beneficial.” – Amanda Grilli, PT, CLT “One of the biggest concerns that I always have is I want to make sure that patients and survivors are safe.

The number one thing when they're implementing any sort of exercise, nutrition, or breath work, is that they are safe. The only way that we can ensure that exercise and all of those things are safe for the community is if it's individualized.” – Amanda Grilli, PT, CLT Meeting Summary "I’m fighting cancer… but no one told me how to live while I do it.

” For many patients, whether you’re in the middle of treatment or navigating life after it, cancer changes everything. Fatigue, side effects, and uncertainty about what’s safe can make everyday life feel harder than it should.

Decades of clinical research confirm that structured lifestyle interventions - including personalized exercise, nutrition, and stress relief - are not “extras,” but evidence-based tools that can reduce treatment side effects, improve quality of life, help you stay on track with your treatment plan, and even lower the risk of recurrence.

Yet fewer than 1 in 20 patients ever receive consistent, expert guidance to make these practices part of daily life. Amanda Grilli, PT, CLT, a Physical Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and Certified Cancer Coach specializing in cancer rehabilitation, is uniquely qualified to lead a discussion about lifestyle interventions in cancer care.

She is devoted to helping individuals manage treatment side effects and reclaim quality of life during, after, and beyond cancer through hands- on therapy, therapeutic exercise, and evidence-based guidance.

“How Daily Lifestyle Intervent

helping individuals manage treatment side effects and reclaim quality of life during, after, and beyond cancer through hands- on therapy, therapeutic exercise, and evidence-based guidance. Amanda also founded Well Beyond Breast Cancer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that improves access to breast cancer

“How Daily Lifestyle Interventions Improve Your Cancer Outcomes” (Amanda Grilli) [#158] rehabilitation nationwide by funding specialized physical and occupational therapy appointments. At Complement 1, she is the Head of Exercise Oncology and co-develops the program with oncologists, translating current evidence into care patients can use every day.

Why should you consider lifestyle interventions to reduce your cancer-related side effects and delay recurrence? Lifestyle interventions give you agency – the ability to impact your health, to feel more in control.

Lifestyle interventions can: ●Reduce cancer-related fatigue ●Improve sleep quality ●Reduce anxiety and depression ●Improve body composition ●Improve bone health ●Reduce swelling due to blockage in the lymphatic system What is the evidence for these benefits from lifestyle management?

●There is extensive clinical research, particularly from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and integrative oncology guidelines, for lifestyle interventions. ●Clinical trials by Complement 1 have shown promising results, including a 37% reduction in side effects and significant improvements in pain, sleep, and quality of life.

What are lifestyle changes you should make to achieve these benefits? ●Exercise: Get 90-150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, plus two resistance training sessions ●Nutrition: Focus on a plant-forward diet with 1-1.

2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, emphasizing vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains while limiting processed and red meats ●Stress Reduction : Practice mind-body approaches like mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and yoga to improve your anxiety, depression, and overall mood What are practical ways to find time and be motivated to make these lasting habits?

“How Daily Lifestyle Interventions Improve Your Cancer Outcomes” (Amanda Grilli) [#158] ●Ease into it: Start with small, manageable steps and easily achievable goals ●Be flexible: Modify your program based on your daily energy levels How can you learn more about lifestyle management in cancer? ●Check out the Complement 1 website and watch this short video.

eatment side effects and reclaim quality of life during, after, and beyond cancer through hands- on therapy, therapeutic exercise, and evidence-based guidance. Amanda also founded Well Beyond Breast Cancer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that improves access to breast cancer

“How Daily Lifestyle Interventions Improve Your Cancer Outcomes” (Amanda Grilli) [#158] rehabilitation nationwide by funding specialized physical and occupational therapy appointments. At Complement 1, she is the Head of Exercise Oncology and co-develops the program with oncologists, translating current evidence into care patients can use every day.

Why should you consider lifestyle interventions to reduce your cancer-related side effects and delay recurrence? Lifestyle interventions give you agency – the ability to impact your health, to feel more in control.

Lifestyle interventions can: ●Reduce cancer-related fatigue ●Improve sleep quality ●Reduce anxiety and depression ●Improve body composition ●Improve bone health ●Reduce swelling due to blockage in the lymphatic system What is the evidence for these benefits from lifestyle management?

●There is extensive clinical research, particularly from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and integrative oncology guidelines, for lifestyle interventions. ●Clinical trials by Complement 1 have shown promising results, including a 37% reduction in side effects and significant improvements in pain, sleep, and quality of life.

What are lifestyle changes you should make to achieve these benefits? ●Exercise: Get 90-150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, plus two resistance training sessions ●Nutrition: Focus on a plant-forward diet with 1-1.

2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, emphasizing vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains while limiting processed and red meats ●Stress Reduction : Practice mind-body approaches like mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and yoga to improve your anxiety, depression, and overall mood What are practical ways to find time and be motivated to make these lasting habits?

“How Daily Lifestyle Interventions Improve Your Cancer Outcomes” (Amanda Grilli) [#158] ●Ease into it: Start with small, manageable steps and easily achievable goals ●Be flexible: Modify your program based on your daily energy levels How can you learn more about lifestyle management in cancer? ●Check out the Complement 1 website and watch this short video. ●Contact Katya Bykova at katya@complement1.com or suppor

ll, manageable steps and easily achievable goals ●Be flexible: Modify your program based on your daily energy levels How can you learn more about lifestyle management in cancer? ●Check out the Complement 1 website and watch this short video. ●Contact Katya Bykova at katya@complement1.com or support@complement1.com ●Consider a free one-week trial of Complement 1: Five live 45-minute sessions.

To sign up email support@complement1.com with the subject: WEBINAR ●See previous discussions we have had on lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction: ○“Designing the Right Exercise Program for Your Cancer Situation” (Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH) [#157] ○“Exercise to Boost Your Immune System to Fight Cancer” (Dr.

Tom Incledon) [#49] ○Adding Exercise for Everyday Life and Developing a Medical Device to Personalize Cancer Treatment (Cathy Skinner) [#47] ○“Exercise as a Countermeasure to Hormone Deprivation Therapy Side Effects and for Bone and Mental Health” (Kerri Winters-Stone) [#48] ○“Exercise and Cancer Development and Progression" (Lee Jones, PhD) [#143] ○“Applying Nutrition Science to the Optimization of Cancer Treatment by Solving Symptoms” (Susan Bratton) [#41] ○"A Patient’s View on Nutrition, Supplements, Integrative Oncology, and Complementary Therapies" (Robert Ellis and Glenn Sabin) [#33] ○“Scientific Research on Lifestyle Choices to Reduce Your Cancer Risk” (Nigel Brockton) [#40] ○“Navigating Cancer with the Mind as Your Ally” (Sheryl Anjanette) [#124] ○“Healing the Cancer Journey: Tools for Emotional Wellness” (Savio P.

Clemente) [#87] The information and opinions expressed on this website or platform, or during discussions and presentations (both verbal and written) are not intended as health care recommendations or medical advice by Cancer Patient Lab, its principals, presenters, participants, or representatives for any medical treatment, product, or course of action.

You should always consult a doctor about your specific situation before pursuing any health care program, treatment, product or other course of action that might affect your health.

“How Daily Lifestyle Interventions Improve Your Cancer Outcomes” (Amanda Grilli) [#158] Meeting Notes KEYWORDS Cancer patient, lifestyle interventions, exercise oncology, nutrition guidelines, mind-body practices, cancer rehabilitation, personalized guidance, exercise safety, community support, oncology dietitian, survivorship plan, clinical evidence, financial toxicity, insurance coverage, quality of life.

SPEAKERS Amanda Grilli (64%), Brad Power (27%), Katya Bykova (9%) CHAT CONTRIBUTORS Roger Royse, Hillary, Helen, Rick Davis, Allen Morris, David Plunkett, Katya Bykova, Vic SUMMARY Amanda Grilli, an oncology physical therapist, discussed lifestyle interventions for cancer patients, emphasizing exercise, nutrition, and mind-body practices.

tt, Katya Bykova, Vic SUMMARY Amanda Grilli, an oncology physical therapist, discussed lifestyle interventions for cancer patients, emphasizing exercise, nutrition, and mind-body practices. She highlighted the ACSM's 2019 guidelines recommending 90 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly for reducing side effects and 150 minutes for overall well-being.

Complement 1, a platform designed by oncology experts, offers personalized guidance for exercise, nutrition, and breathwork, with sessions lasting 45 minutes. The program has shown significant improvements in side effects, pain, sleep, and quality of life, with 90% of members completing five sessions weekly.

The cost is $20 per session, and efforts are underway to make it more accessible through insurance and partnerships with cancer centers. OUTLINE Introductions and Overview of Lifestyle Interventions ●Amanda Grilli is an oncology physical therapist, certified lymphedema therapist, and cancer coach.

●Her role is focused on lifestyle interventions to improve recovery and long-term health for cancer patients and survivors. ●Evidence-based information to empower patients to implement strategies that improve quality of life is important. ●There is strong evidence supporting exercise, particularly in reducing cancer-related fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and body composition.

●The ACSM's 2019 exercise guidelines for cancer survivors recommends 90 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week and two sessions of resistance training. Nutrition and Mind-Body Practices ●Nutrition is also important, including working with an oncology dietitian or nutritionist.

“How Daily Lifestyle Interventions Improve Your Cancer Outcomes” (Amanda Grilli) [#158] ●There is a need for adequate protein intake, 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. ●A plant-forward diet should focus on vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, and limiting red and processed meats.

●In addition, mind-body practices like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), meditation, and yoga, which help manage stress, anxiety, and mood, can be helpful. Cancer Rehabilitation and Complement 1 ●Cancer Rehabilitation is a specialized field of physical and occupational therapy aimed at minimizing cancer-related side effects.

●The role of oncology-trained therapists is to provide safe and effective care. ●Complement 1 is a platform designed to provide personalized guidance for exercise, nutrition, and breathwork. ●The platform uses a sophisticated rule engine to create individualized programs based on cancer type, treatment history, and side effects.

●Each session lasts 45 minutes, with 30 minutes of personalized exercise, 3-5 minutes of focused nutritional guidance, and 7 minutes of breathwork and meditation. ●The program is designed by oncologists, oncology exercise specialists, and nutritional experts, ensuring it is built on the latest clinical evidence.

cer type, treatment history, and side effects. ●Each session lasts 45 minutes, with 30 minutes of personalized exercise, 3-5 minutes of focused nutritional guidance, and 7 minutes of breathwork and meditation. ●The program is designed by oncologists, oncology exercise specialists, and nutritional experts, ensuring it is built on the latest clinical evidence.

●A live exercise coach ensures safety and provides individualized modifications. ●Complement 1 has positive engagement with over 90% of members completing five sessions per week. ●The program shows meaningful outcomes, including a 37% reduction in side effects, 18% reduction in pain, 27% improvement in sleep, and a 16-point improvement in overall quality of life.

●Community is important in driving adherence and motivation for participants. ●A free one-week trial of Complement 1 is offered. ●The Complement 1 program allows participants to adjust the number of sessions based on their needs. Exercise, Nutrition, Community, and Adherence ●Amanda explained that too much exercise can have negative effects, particularly on the immune system.

●Personalizing exercise and nutrition plans should be based on individual needs and treatment. ●Medical devices like Apple Watches and Oura Rings can track exercise and recovery. ●Community and social elements in group exercise sessions can drive adherence and motivation. ●Scheduling and having a live coach can ensure participants stay engaged and safe.

Cost and Accessibility ●The program is inclusive and works with cancer centers to make it more affordable for patients. ●There is potential for insurance coverage and other ways to make the program more accessible.

“How Daily Lifestyle Interventions Improve Your Cancer Outcomes” (Amanda Grilli) [#158] ●Amanda reiterated the importance of any movement, even small amounts, in improving cancer-related outcomes. ●She encouraged participants to take advantage of the free one-week trial of Complement 1.

“How Daily Lifestyle Interventions Improve Your Cancer Outcomes” (Amanda Grilli) [#158] TRANSCRIPT Brad Power This is the Cancer Patient Lab. We're honored today to have Amanda Grilli with us. She's representing Complement 1, which has a service for lifestyle factors, exercise, nutrition, stress reduction, those sorts of things.

She'll share both the research that they've done that supports that, as well as the services they provide, and recommendations. I know this is a topic that's near and dear to a lot of people in our community, because these are the things that patients can take control of on their own and have some agency in managing their care above and beyond whatever they're getting from their medical team.

A few housekeeping things before we get started. First of all, this is for information purposes only. This is not medical advice. We try to arm our patients and caregivers with information they can take to their medical team.