Kelowna, B.C. – BC Cancer Kelowna is pioneering a new approach to cancer care, integrating movement and exercise into patient treatment plans from the point of diagnosis. The program, launched in September 2025, is led by Dr. Lauren Capozzi, the province’s first cancer physiatrist and one of only nine in Canada.
Dr. Capozzi’s role, as Provincial Medical Director of Cancer Rehabilitation at BC Cancer, is to develop and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation program for cancer patients across British Columbia. She explained that a cancer physiatrist specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, focusing on improving function and quality of life for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. “We focus on the care of people after a cancer diagnosis, to facilitate them with their function and rehabilitation,” Dr. Capozzi said.
The program emphasizes both prehabilitation – preparing patients physically and mentally before treatment begins – and rehabilitation during and after treatment. This holistic approach involves close collaboration with oncology teams, as well as physical and occupational therapists, dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. “When we’re all on the same page, we can help to optimize the care plan for that patient,” Dr. Capozzi stated. “It also makes better use of healthcare dollars.”
Greg Waring, a Vernon resident who recently underwent surgery for a rare form of sarcoma in his hip, is benefiting from the program. He credits his early diagnosis to recognizing pain while training for a half-marathon. “I’m a remarkably active person…That’s my long-term goal. I’m currently working with a physiotherapist to get back into running,” Waring said. Despite nerve damage resulting from surgery that initially limited his mobility, Waring recently returned to skiing and remains optimistic about resuming running. “When you’re in the depths of just being really tired or really sore…you do sense like it’s never coming back,” he said, but added he is determined to continue his recovery.
Dr. Capozzi’s work extends beyond direct patient care. She is also leading a research project at BC Cancer-Kelowna utilizing artificial intelligence to improve patient adherence to exercise programs. A study published last year, known as the Challenge Trial, demonstrated that exercise interventions for individuals with colon cancer significantly improved survival rates. Dr. Capozzi is working with a fellow starting in March to integrate the Challenge Trial program and leverage AI to enhance behaviour change, specifically focusing on how technology can help patients maintain an active lifestyle after a cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Capozzi’s position as a clinician-scientist and exercise physiologist is supported by funding from UBC and the BC Cancer Foundation. She is also Co-Founder of Thrive Health, an organization dedicated to training fitness professionals to support individuals with cancer through exercise. According to Dr. Capozzi, she has already assisted over 100 patients through the new referral-based program. “I feel I have the best job in the world,” she said, expressing her satisfaction in helping patients return to their lives and activities.
On March 31, 2026, Dr. Capozzi will present at a Knowledge in Action Seminar Series event at UBC Okanagan, discussing strategies for older adults to maintain wellbeing throughout their cancer journey. The event will also feature Dr. Flavia DeAngelis, Bonnie Leung, and Dr. Kristen Haase.
