Sami Mansfield epitomizes innovation and vision in the healthcare sector as the founder of Cancer Wellness for Life, an organization at the forefront of integrating exercise oncology and lifestyle medicine into cancer care.
Beginning her career in 2003, Sami has become an international authority, advocating for incorporating wellness and exercise as pivotal components of cancer treatment and survivorship. Her mission is to empower cancer patients and clinicians, offering her expertise to a wide spectrum of healthcare providers, including cancer centers, hospitals, and non-profit organizations, ensuring the sustainability of programs that foster both patient welfare and fiscal efficiency.
In her tireless pursuit, Sami has pioneered in establishing exercise oncology and lifestyle medicine as vital aspects of patient care, and her ability to develop and execute high-impact programs is unparalleled. Her commitment to these disciplines is not just professional but also deeply personal, fueled by the stories of countless cancer survivors whose lives have been positively transformed through wellness and exercise.
Sami’s role as an inspiring speaker and leader cannot be overstated. She addresses equity gaps in healthcare, striving to make lifestyle changes and exercise universally accessible, thus driving conversations and actions toward inclusivity. She has worked closely with healthcare leaders, oncology organizations, and policymakers, always advocating for patient-centric approaches.
Her influence extends beyond patient care into policy-making, where she has been instrumental in shaping state cancer control plans, emphasizing the role of lifestyle in combating cancer. As an authoritative voice in this field, she has contributed to the ASCO Guidelines on Exercise, Nutrition, and Weight Management and provided expert consensus for exercise recommendations for individuals with bone metastases.
As a communicator, Sami’s reach is expansive; she’s a prolific writer, podcast guest, and an influencer in the digital realm, educating and inspiring a diverse audience. In 2016, she launched BUILD, the pioneering fitness exercise program for cancer survivors, which evolved into the WeBuild4Life wellness and fitness center and eventually, My Lifestyle Shift—a comprehensive virtual program embodying the six pillars of lifestyle medicine.
Sami is prominent in international lifestyle medicine organizations, notably chairing the Cancer Member Interest Group for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Her extensive experience as a public speaker is marked by engaging presentations and virtual events that have inspired healthcare professionals and individuals alike to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Sami dedication to exercise oncology and lifestyle medicine continues to spark change, motivating people to embrace wellness and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Her life’s work not only enhances the lives of those she reaches but also significantly diminishes the societal burden of cancer.