A Practical Business Roadmap for 2026

2026 will be a year of great opportunity for those who are working to bring oncology exercise to those who need it in their communities.

A longtime contributor to the Cancer Exercise Training Institute, Dr. Jay Harness, recently released an excellent review (view the PDF below) of the progress of cancer exercise in the cancer treatment process.

According to Dr. Harness, "Health systems and policy makers are urged to embed exercise into standard oncology care pathways, with appropriate reimbursement and infrastructure. The evidence is strong, the models are clear, and the opportunity to improve outcomes while enhancing patient centered oncology care is immediate."

The latest exercise oncology research marks a clear clinical inflection point. High-quality randomized trials and international consensus publications now confirm that structured, oncology-specific exercise improves survival, treatment tolerance, and long-term survivorship outcomes. The evidence is no longer emerging—it is established.

The opportunity now lies in translation and implementation.

Below is a practical roadmap for how CETI specialists can use this research to educate their local communities, establish medical referrals, and grow a sustainable cancer exercise practice.

Step 1: Translate the Science for Your Community

The current literature provides a powerful foundation for professional education. Specialists are encouraged to:

• Communicate that exercise is evidence-based cancer therapy, not optional wellness activity
• Emphasize that outcomes depend on structured programming, appropriate dosing, and oncology-specific training
• Position exercise as complementary to medical treatment, improving both survival and quality of life

This framing aligns with how physicians evaluate interventions: safety, efficacy, dosing, and clinical relevance.

Step 2: Educate Your Local Medical and Recovery Ecosystem

Use this research to proactively engage:

• Medical oncologists and radiation oncologists
• Oncology nurses and nurse navigators
• Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and survivorship clinics
• Hospital cancer centers and community oncology practices
• Local gyms, fitness facilities and community programs that serve cancer survivors

Effective strategies include:

• Short evidence-based presentations or in-service talks
• One-page clinical summaries highlighting survival and functional outcomes
• Clear explanation of referral pathways and patient triage

The goal is to establish yourself as a qualified partner and specialist, not a general fitness provider.

Step 3: Establish Referral Pathways

As exercise becomes embedded into standard oncology pathways, clinicians are seeking:

• Trusted, oncology-trained exercise professionals
• Programs that can safely manage patients across treatment phases
• Clear communication and continuity of care

CETI specialists are uniquely positioned to meet this need. Structured referral relationships often emerge once clinicians understand:

• Your oncology-specific training
• Your ability to individualize and supervise programs
• Your alignment with evidence-based care
• Your ability to coordinate with the overall care team

Step 4: Build Visibility and Credibility in the Community

Consistent, professional communication reinforces referral growth:

• Educational content for patients and caregivers
• Community presentations or workshops
• Digital content that reinforces evidence-based messaging

This positions your practice as part of the clinical care continuum, not an external add-on service.

How CETI Supports This Process

To support specialists at this stage of field adoption, CETI provides comprehensive business and professional support through the CETI Everything Package, including:

Business Coaching

• One-on-one and structured guidance for building a cancer exercise practice
• Support for pricing, positioning, and service models
• Strategic planning for medical and community integration

Business & Implementation Training

• On-demand business videos focused on practice development
• Guidance on creating educational content for clinicians and patients
• Proven frameworks for outreach, referrals, and program growth

Consulting & Professional Support

• Assistance translating research into professional messaging
• Support for local medical outreach and referral conversations
• Ongoing alignment with evolving standards of cancer care

This support is designed to help specialists move from certification to clinical integration and referral-driven growth.

👉 Learn more about the CETI Everything Package and how it supports both evidence-based care and business development:

The Everything Package>>

You may also view a brief video from Dr. Jay Harness introducing why oncology-specific exercise training—and structured implementation—is part of CETI course programming.

🎥 Watch Dr. Harness’ video introducing CETI Cancer Exercise Specialist training:

Watch the Video>>

Exercise oncology has reached a point where the science is clear and the need for qualified implementation is urgent. CETI remains committed to supporting specialists who are prepared to lead their communities in this next phase of cancer care.

Get in touch for help building and growing your cancer exercise practice!

Email andrea@thecancerspecialist.com call +1-503-502-6776 or hit the Help button for next steps!

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More About Dr. Jay Harness

Dr. Jay Harness, MD, FACS, is the founder of cancerfitness.org, a former Clinical Professor of Surgery at UC Irvine and an emeritus breast surgeon at Providence St. Joseph and Northern Inyo Hospital. His 28 years of full-time academic positions include Past President of American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS), American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES), and Breast Surgery International (BSI).

View Dr. Harness and his intro to the OncoVie® Cancer Exercise Specialist course HERE.

Visit https://cancerfitness.org