Our Mission
At Cancer Can Suck a Cactus, we foster a global community that empowers and enables exercise—because research has shown that cancer hates exercise. We believe in supporting survivors, promoting participation, funding scientific research, and spreading awareness, all with the goal of making a meaningful impact.

Core Values

• Support
  We’ve built a virtual community that connects people worldwide, offering encouragement and solidarity—no matter where you are.
  Cancer is expensive, and financial barriers shouldn’t stop survivors from joining our events. We offer free race registration to those that need a helping hand—just reach out to chemoday10k@gmail.com for a free registration code, no application required.
  Looking ahead, we aspire to provide athletic apparel for cancer survivors to further support their journey.
• Participation
  You don’t need to be the fastest or strongest—you just need to show up for yourself.
  Start slow, stay consistent—you’ve got this!
  To help you stay motivated, we’re launching a 12-week exercise raffle leading up to race day (November 2). Details coming soon!
• Scientific Funding & Awareness
  We champion cancer research through fundraising while making it fun—expect exciting raffle prizes in the 8 weeks leading up to race day through September & October.
  Knowledge is power: We share evidence-based cancer exercise recommendations. Follow us on Instagram @cancercansuckacactus for bite-sized science insights, or check out the upcoming resources section on our website for deeper learning.
• Rooted in Reality
  Exercise alone won’t cure or prevent cancer—but it reduces cancer risk and helps manage side effects. Always follow your prescribed treatments and take your meds!
  You can exercise and still get cancer. It happened to our founder. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and winning the cancer lottery is never fair. However, studies have associated being physically fit before diagnosis to reduced progression and mortality rates.
  Didn't exercise before your diagnosis? Here’s the good news: You didn’t cause your cancer, AND starting exercise now brings immense benefits—it’s never too late.

Why Does Cancer Hate Exercise?

• Exercise lowers the risk of bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal adenocarcinoma, renal, and gastric cancers by 10% to 20%.
• If diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer, exercise can reduce cancer-specific and overall mortality rates by 40-50%.
• Current recommendation: 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise), plus twice-weekly resistance training for all major muscle groups.
• Robust evidence shows that exercise improves symptoms in those living with or beyond cancer treatment.
• Movement boosts the circulation of immune cells that fight cancer and may enhance the effectiveness of powerful immunotherapy treatments.

Source & More Info: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/EDBK_349635