#189 Racing Against the Odds: The Science of Running with Cancer (feat. Scott Capozza, Oncology-Certified PT)

On this episode, Andrea is joined by oncologic physical therapist, Scott Capozza for a practical and scientific approach to running while fighting and surviving cancer. Scott shares his own journey with testicular cancer. He and Andrea discuss the role of physical therapy for oncology patients, recommendations for maintaining running during cancer treatment, and practical advice for returning to fitness after treatment is over. Whether you or a loved one is battling cancer, or you're healthcare professional caring for cancer patients, this is a must-listen!

Scott Capozza, PT, MS has worked as a physical therapist in a multi-disciplinary survivorship clinic as well as an outpatient physical therapist dedicated to oncology rehabilitation. He received a Master of Physical Therapy degree from Ithaca College in 1999. Scott initially worked in pediatric physical therapy, including outpatient pediatrics, school-based physical therapy, and aquatic-based physical therapy, before making the transition to adult oncology rehabilitation. Scott is among the first class of board-certified clinical specialists in oncologic physical therapy in the United States and serves as a SACE II Item Writer for the oncology certification exam through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. He holds several leadership positions within the American Physical Therapy Association, including the APTA Media Corps and the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy.

You can find Scott online on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Links mentioned in the show:

• American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable on Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors
• Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors
• Patient Is Otherwise Healthy
• ChoosePT

Chapters

• 0:00 - Introducing Scott
• 12:42 - Scott's journey with running and his cancer diagnosis
• 22:37 - The chronic effects of cancer treatment on exercise performance
• 24:16 - Scott's approach to PT during cancer treatment
• 32:34 - A holistic approach to PT & cancer treatment
• 40:56 - If a runner has been diagnosed, how do they know if it's safe to continue running?
• 48:09 - Evaluating a patient's progress post-cancer-treatment
• 54:42 - How to advocate for yourself with your medical team
• 58:50 - Resources for learning about oncology rehab
• 1:02:31 - Finding an oncology-certified PT
• 1:03:56 - Wrap-up