Asan Medical Center Recruits Members for “MY HOPE,” a Fitness Crew Supporting Young Cancer Survivors in Their 20s and 30s

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Peer Support among Young Cancer Patients — Launch Ceremony on November 1

“A New Challenge for Recovery” — Medical Professionals’ “Young Cancer Symposium” to Be Held on the Same Day

▲Source: Getty Images Bank

Diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in her 30s, Ms. Shin was deeply concerned about her treatment and life afterward — particularly about “pregnancy and childbirth.” At Asan Medical Center, she underwent embryo cryopreservation before treatment, followed by a left breast mastectomy. She then continued with chemotherapy and hormone therapy. To regain her strength after the exhausting treatment process, Ms. Shin decided to take up running. By joining a running crew, she found joy and encouragement through shared sweat, laughter, and exercise. Over time, running became a source of empowerment that helped her reclaim her life. “As I ran on the track, my feelings of depression gradually faded, and I began to believe, ‘I can still do this,’” she said. Having completed her treatment, Ms. Shin is now pregnant and expecting to give birth next spring.

AMC Cancer Institute, a leader in cancer care, recently announced the recruitment of members for a new ‘fitness crew’ designed to help young cancer patients establish healthy lifestyles and overcome their illness together through communication and shared experiences with peers who have gone through similar challenges.

According to the Korea National Cancer Registration and Statistics Program, the number of patients aged 20 to 39 diagnosed with cancer surged to about 19,000 in 2022. As this age group is at a stage of life where they continue social and professional activities even after recovery, returning to everyday life with healthy lifestyle habits after treatment is especially important.

To support the physical and emotional recovery of young cancer patients and encourage their journey toward overcoming cancer, Asan Medical Center is launching the “MY HOPE” fitness crew.

“MY HOPE” stands for Multidisciplinary Young Adult Oncology - Healing, Outreach, Personalization, and Empowerment, representing an integrated support program designed to promote healing, communication, personalized care, and self-empowerment among young cancer patients.

The “MY HOPE” crew is open to teams of three or more members that include at least one cancer patient aged between 20 and 45. Participants may choose any physical activity they enjoy or wish to do together — such as walking, running, hiking, or swimming.

The crew will begin its six-month program with an inaugural ceremony on November 1 and continue activities through the end of April next year. During this period, members will voluntarily hold regular crew sessions at least twice a month. By sharing their activities on social media, participants aim to connect with other cancer patients and raise public awareness about young adults living with cancer.

The “MY HOPE” program is led by Professor Hee Jeong Kim of the Division of Breast Surgery at Asan Medical Center, who is well known as a passionate running enthusiast. Professor Hee Jeong Kim is so devoted to running that she often commutes between her home and Asan Medical Center, a distance of about 10 kilometers, on foot.

At the MY HOPE crew’s inaugural ceremony, to be held at the Convergence Innovation Building of Asan Medical Center, participants will have opportunities to freely ask questions to experts during themed table sessions. The event will also feature a talk show with Asan Medical Center medical staff, covering topics such as cancer prevention, management strategies, and the importance of exercise.

Following the ceremony, MY HOPE crew members will join Asan Medical Center medical staff for a group walk and run. Participants can choose a course that best suits their condition from distances of 1 km, 3 km, or 5 km.

Professor Hee Jeong Kim, Principle Investigator (PI) of the Cancer Edu-Info Center and Professor of Division of Breast Surgery at Asan Medical Center, said, “Exercise not only has a positive impact on cancer prevention, rehabilitation, and survival, but also helps foster the mindset that patients can overcome cancer. I hope the MY HOPE crew activities become a meaningful starting point for a new challenge toward recovery, and that participants regain confidence and vitality through connecting with others who share similar experiences — reminding them that they are not alone.”

President Si Yeol Song of AMC Cancer Institute and Professor of Department of Radiation Oncology , stated, “The MY HOPE crew is not a one-time event, but a long-term initiative designed to motivate young cancer patients to establish sustainable healthy lifestyles. It will also provide opportunities for them to connect with one another, fostering the strength and solidarity needed to overcome cancer together.”

Meanwhile, on the morning of November 1, the “2025 Young Cancer Symposium” for medical professionals will be held at the Education & Research Building of Asan Medical Center.

The first session will focus on “Understanding the Characteristics of Young Cancer Patients,” while the second will explore “Young Cancer Survivors and Policy Support.” The symposium is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest expert insights aimed at improving survival rates and strengthening psychological and social support systems based on the unique characteristics of young cancer patients.