Like most people, Samantha Briggs has been touched by cancer. The 38-year-old CrossFit veteran , who recently completed a 100km charity row in just over nine hours for Cancer Research UK, said she has seen the disease first-hand and the pain and suffering it inflicts. “My grandad battled lung cancer and had to have a full lung and part of the other lung removed,” said Briggs, who came first at the 2013 CrossFit Games . “Because he was a fighter he lived for many years with just a partial lung and never let that stop him from taking his daily walks and going to watch his beloved Yorkshire cricket team play.” Briggs has now signed on to Battle Cancer Program, an international initiative in which those in post-cancer treatment can sign up for a free 12-week specifically tailored strength and fitness programme. Her gym, Train Manchester, is on board, along with American CrossFit Games veteran Noah Ohlsen’s Miami gym, CrossFit Wynwood. Battle Cancer founder Scott Britton, who is UK based and a former powerlifter before taking up the sport, said the idea is to help those recovering try to regain some sense of physical and mental normalcy. “When people undergo or complete treatment for cancer they’re often left to return to life as usual, but for them that no longer exists,” said Britton, who has landed more than a dozen gyms to take part in the UK and the US. “We provide a support system and structure for them to take control of their own lives and adapt physically and mentally to take on the world around them.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Battle Cancer (@battle.cancer) Cancer is the second-leading cause of death globally behind heart disease, accounting for one in six deaths, an estimated 9.5 million people a year. Exercise and a proper diet have been proven in numerous studies to reduce the risk of a number of types of cancer. The Battle Cancer Program, which also offers competitions for those looking to raise money for various cancer charities, also offers a few who complete the 12-week programme to qualify as a fitness instructor. It has the backing of Colin Robertson, a UK-based doctor who has been working in the restorative and rehabilitation side of post-cancer treatment for two decades. He said structured exercise within a community setting has proven benefits for those recovering from the disease. “The programming that has been put in place for Battle Cancer Program members is empowering, evidence-based and most importantly effective,” said Robertson. The start dates for the programmes will be staggered because of the coronavirus pandemic, and hinge on gyms or CrossFit “boxes” reopening due to certain restrictions in specific countries. Briggs, who raised nearly US$10,000 during her epic 100km row, said prevention is the key, along with education when trying to get numbers down. “Cancer and other genetic diseases effect so many people and unfortunately take too many lives,” she said. “If we can try to live a healthy lifestyle and choose a nutritious diet then hopefully we’re safeguarding ourselves against many diseases, and if we do get cancer our bodies will be strong enough to fight and be a survivor.”