UCLM Day promotes reflection on the role of exercise in cancer recovery

On the occasion of World Breast Cancer Day, the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) held a day on the Toledo campus dedicated to the relationship between exercise and cancer. The initiative, organized by the Faculty of Sports Sciences to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity in the recovery process, featured Pelayo Vida competitor Kitsa Echanove of Toledo.

The event, organized with the support of the Castilla-La Mancha TV program “Heroes Anonymous”, was moderated by its director Julián Cano and featured a special participation by Kika Echanove, a 47-year-old woman from Toledo who beat cancer. Kika was one of five women chosen to participate in the ninth edition of the Pelayo Vida Challenge, an expedition held in Patagonia, Argentina in 2023 that aimed to raise awareness of the struggles of female cancer survivors.

During his speech, Yekhanov shared his personal experience, emphasizing that sports became a key element of his recovery. In addition, the documentary “Voices on Ice” was shown, provided by Amazon Prime, which tells the story of the challenge participants’ journey. An audience of more than 300 students took part in the discussion with the speaker.

Professor Monica Castellanos, an expert in the field of exercise and cancer, also took part, emphasizing the importance of developing research areas and working on physical activity as an additional tool in the treatment of this disease. Castellanos encouraged future sports science graduates to explore this field, which is still growing, and to use their training to contribute to improving the quality of life for those affected.

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