CAWS Launches New Certification for Clubs & Coaches to Best Support Those Who Have Experienced Cancer

Online education company, CAWS, has launched its latest Certification for fitness Coaches in partnership with Battle Cancer, and with the support of Nike.

The Battle Cancer Program Level 1 Certification focuses on supporting people after their Cancer treatment, and teaches Coaches and Personal Trainers how to safely and effectively deliver the Battle Cancer Program — a new group training program providing late-stage rehabilitation for those who have experienced Cancer.

Eighty-six percent of those who are successfully treated for Cancer experience debilitating levels of fatigue afterwards, and at the three-year stage, a third of people are still struggling with the same physical limitations and issues. The most proven way to counteract this, is through structured physical activity and graded exercise.

“It wasn’t just the physical side, it was the mental side. Meeting people with shared experiences was amazing. I’m a typical bloke in terms of not really opening up and I found I was really able to talk and form bonds with everyone.”, Mark, Battle Cancer Program Member. 

The Certification & Program

The structure and development of the Battle Cancer Level 1 Certification and Program is a collaboration of leading fitness professionals, led and primarily influenced by Scott Britton, co-founder of Battle Cancer, and managed by Dr Col Robertson, CAWS Education Director, regarding all of the scientific rationale and research evidence-based practice that ensures the efficacy and safety of exercise post-treatment.

CAWS is a highly recognised education company, who pioneered how exercise professionals should support people who have experienced COVID-19 and Long-COVID. Today, CAWS continue to address the most vital knowledge and skill needs across the modern fitness industry, equipping professionals to support more people than ever across our communities.

Battle Cancer co-founders, Scott and Freya Britton, set up Battle Cancer, a global fundraising events organisation, to raise money through fitness in support of multiple national and international Cancer charities. The team and their global supporters help fund everything from research, to how life can be enriched in the areas of treatment and rehabilitation.

The Battle Cancer Program Level 1 Certification provides Coaches with a better understanding of the impact of Cancer, and how to operate safely and effectively in the delivery of exercise for people post Cancer treatment. By the time a Coach graduates, they will have a confident understanding of the skills, knowledge and values required by a Battle Cancer Program Level 1 Coach; they’ll be fully equipped with everything they need to deliver the Battle Cancer Level 1 Program in their Facility, and to encourage and best support those clients who are recovering from Cancer.

The Battle Cancer Program is a 12-week group training workout Program designed specifically for individuals who have experienced Cancer. Individuals complete two 60-minute sessions each week over the course of 12-weeks with a view to continue after this introductory period.

“The aim of the 12-week Program is to engage people who have experienced Cancer in a meaningful, structured, and progressive exercise rehabilitation Program, supported by medical research and evidence, that builds physical confidence and independence, and a belief in a better quality of life and health for the future. The environments that host the Battle Cancer Program are inspiring and inclusive, and most importantly non-medical. Our goal is to eradicate common misconceptions from doctors, PTs, and other fitness and medical professionals, who often treat patients as too fragile, prolonging their recovery to full health,” says, Scott.

The Program is accessible to any ability and level of fitness — from first-time to the gym-regular. Adaptable and scalable movements are there to suit any restrictions, meaning every person can still complete the workout and see the maximum benefit, and build and develop their strength.

Education Director, and CAWS Co-founder, Dr Col Roberston explains: “Physical independence is the key determinant of quality of life. The more robust we are, the greater our physical resilience, the more positive we feel about our present and our future, and how we will function within both. The Battle Cancer Program instills heightened levels of physical independence and confidence, and gives people their life back after Cancer.”

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Heather joined the Battle Cancer Program after finishing her chemotherapy. Heather’s experience with Cancer began in 2017 when she became aware of symptoms that indicated she may have Breast Cancer. She was referred to a Breast Cancer Clinic where she had a full mastectomy before starting chemotherapy, followed by a preventative mastectomy on the other breast. A year later at a routine assessment, Cancer was detected in Heather’s lymph node, resulting in a third surgery, more radiotherapy and more chemotherapy. 

Heather joined the Program after celebrating two years Cancer-free, but after multiple rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, felt like she didn’t trust her body. Her confidence grew with every session of the Program she completed, along with her strength, and she loved how powerful and in control of her body she began to feel again. She also found allies and support in the people around her in the sessions, continuing to workout with them after her journey on the Program finished, and making lifelong friendships and training partners.

On speaking about the Program, Heather said, “I loved the experience, especially getting to know the other people on the Program because we had something immediately in common. You build faith in each other, solidarity in completing the workouts together, and build strength and faith in yourself at the same time. Community is everything.”

Run the Program & Donate

The Battle Cancer Program Level 1 Certification is available to buy outside of CAWS’ signature Membership offering, as proceeds from every sale will be shared with the Battle Cancer Charity to support their ongoing fundraising initiatives. At £50.00 per Coach to complete the Certification, CAWS continues to insist on providing essential training and education that is affordable.

CAWS Co-founder and Managing Director, Mel Spooner, said: “CAWS is committed to remedying the sector’s knowledge and skill’s needs, to help elevate the role of the club and the coach with accessible education, and to support the growth of the sector by providing new ways for professionals and facilities to serve their communities.

“Cancer is very close to home for all of us. We are proud to partner with Battle Cancer to challenge the global fitness and medical industry’s view of exercise post-cancer, and remove the stigma associated with post-Cancer exercise capabilities. With the help of Facilities and Coaches across the world, we are determined to provide access to this kind of support for more individuals than ever after their Cancer treatment.”

To learn more about the Battle Cancer Program Level 1 Certification or the Battle Cancer Program for your facility, contact [email protected]