Smarter Isn’t Always Safer: Can AI Really Prescribe Cancer Rehab?

AI can write your grocery list, your workouts—even your wedding vows. But should it guide your cancer recovery?

Let’s get real about the future of AI-generated exercise prescriptions—and why there will always be a need for the human touch.

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The Rise of AI in Health & Fitness

Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare faster than many of us can keep up with. In oncology, AI is already being used to:

• Detect cancer with higher accuracy through imaging algorithms

• Predict treatment response and recurrence risk

• Generate generalized movement suggestions based on wearable data, heart rate variability (HRV), and activity patterns

For example, let’s talk about Prenuvo, the full-body MRI scan that’s all over social media right now—and being hailed by celebrities and influencers as the “future of preventative medicine.” I had the Prenuvo full-body MRI last July, and it was honestly the best $2,500 I have ever spent. I was certain that cancer cells had formed a mass and were lurking somewhere in my body. This was following three of the most stressful years of my life, and knowing that stress can compromise your immune system and make you more susceptible to cancer and other diseases. My doctor said it was a waste of money because, and I quote, “It will find something so early that it’s not a concern and you will be worried for no reason.” Are you F’ing kidding me? Of course I want to catch it early! He may as well have been AI - there was nothing personal, or sound, about that advice.

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When you’re constantly in fight-or-flight mode and believe me, I was, your body produces high levels of cortisol and norepinephrine. Over time, these hormones suppress critical immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells and T-cells—your body’s frontline defense against rogue cancer cells. Stress increases production of inflammatory cytokines-such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha. These inflammatory messengers have been linked to DNA damage, tumor angiogenesis (blood supply to tumors), and metastasis. Prolonged stress can disrupt apoptosis, or programmed cell death—the very process that should eliminate damaged or precancerous cells. Instead, stressed environments may allow mutated cells to survive and proliferate.

Stress doesn’t cause cancer on its own-but it absolutely creates the conditions where cancer can thrive.

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The Promise: What AI Could Offer

1. Data-Driven Insights
   AI can scan through thousands of data points—sleep, stress, heart rate—and recommend recovery-adjusted intensity levels.

2. Routine Reinforcement
   Many apps now use machine learning to build consistency and accountability, especially in users battling fatigue or depression. This is great, but AI can not gauge emotions.

3. Access to Basic Programming
   Remote patients or those without oncology-trained support may benefit from AI-generated workout templates. However, as the headline states-it is BASIC programming.

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The Perils: What AI Still Can’t Do

1. Observe Functional Movement
   AI can’t assess joint compensation, muscular imbalances, or subtle signs of neuropathy, lymphedema, or postural collapse. It can

2. Understand Your History
   Algorithms can’t account for treatment complexities: surgical margins, scar tissue, chest ports, colostomy bags, bone density loss, or chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.

3. Provide Emotional Safety or Real-Time Adjustments
   Apps don’t check in with you mid-exercise. They can’t see when you’re pushing through pain-or shutting down out of fear.

4. Artificial intelligence cannot identify when a cancer survivor needs to stop exercising immediately and contact their doctor.

   And that’s a HUGE problem—because the warning signs may be subtle, serious, and sometimes life-threatening. AI doesn’t know your history. It doesn’t know your anatomy. It doesn’t know your risk profile.

   Red Flags AI Will Miss Every Time:

   • New or worsening bone pain → Possible bone metastases

   • Unexplained headaches, dizziness, vision changes, or balance issues → Could indicate brain metastases

   • Numbness, tingling, or burning in hands/feet → Sign of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

   • Sudden onset of back pain, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control → May signal spinal cord compression, a medical emergency

   • Swelling in the arm, leg, chest wall, or groin → Could mean lymphedema or a DVT

   • Chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath during exertion → Cardiotoxicity or pulmonary complications

   • Redness, swelling, or tenderness around a port or surgical site → Possible infection or delayed healing

   • New dizziness, disorientation, or fatigue disproportionate to activity → Not just “out of shape”—could be an early warning sign of anemia, dehydration, or recurrence

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Human Expertise

A certified OncoVie™ Cancer Exercise Specialist (CES) doesn’t just prescribe movement—they customize it based on:

• Medical history from diagnosis to treatment side effects-surgical scars/adhesions, ports, bone density, lymphedema risk, hormone therapy and long-term side-effects and comorbidities

• Emotional state, fatigue level, and pain threshold

• Safety red flags that can’t be caught through an app

• Encouragement, compassion, and real-life experience

• Adjust based on how the patient feels “today”

  Fatigue, pain, brain fog, or fear? A CES modifies in real time. No app can replace that kind of presence, compassion, awareness, and judgment.

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IMPORTANT: Use AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch

AI is a wonderful assistant, but it should never replace qualified clinical expertise.

If you’re a survivor, you deserve:

✅ Personalized programming
✅ Ongoing risk assessment
✅ Emotional support
✅ Education and empowerment

“No two cancer journeys are the same, and your exercise and recovery plan shouldn’t be either.”

-Andrea Leonard

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💥Exclusive Bonus for Paid Subscribers

Your Personalized Cancer Recovery Toolkit—All in One Place

You deserve more than generic advice. As a paid subscriber, you gain exclusive access to expert-designed tools that support your healing journey—safely, effectively, and confidently.

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What You’ll Get:

1. Movement Modifications Library: Quick Reference Guide
   Instantly know how to adapt your workouts based on symptoms like fatigue, neuropathy, bone mets, joint pain, lymphedema, and more. Designed to help you move smarter, not harder.

2. Contraindications & Emergency Red Flag Chart
   Know when to rest, when to modify, when to call your doctor—and when to go straight to the ER. This clear, easy-to-read chart could be the most important tool you keep on your fridge or in your gym bag.

3. Full-Color Step-by-Step Lymphatic Drainage Guide
   Support your lymphatic health with this beautifully illustrated guide, featuring self-care steps to promote circulation, reduce swelling, and encourage gentle detoxification—designed for survivors with lymphedema risk or active swelling.

4. "My Week in Movement" Tracker
   Stay on top of your recovery with a structured, supportive daily log. Track your movement, monitor how you feel, and spot patterns that help you and your specialist adjust your program in real time.

5. 30 Days of Support via Substack Chat
   Ask questions, get modifications, and feel supported every step of the way. You’ll never have to wonder if you’re doing it right—or if it’s safe.

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Ready for a recovery plan built just for you?
Book a one-on-one session with me and receive a fully customized, oncology-safe exercise program tailored to your diagnosis, treatment history, and goals. Your body deserves more than a template—it deserves expert care.

Spots are limited—reserve yours now.

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