Climbing towards HIMALAYAS

Just 15 months after giving birth to her son, Alexandra had moved into a new home and was preparing to return to work as a senior art director when she noticed a lump in her breast. Soon, tests confirmed she had triple‑negative breast cancer. 
 
“I was terrified. Completely devastated,” she recalls. “My very first thought was of my son. The fear wasn’t just about me.” 

Fortunately, Alexandra responded well to treatment and, 2 years later, she is thriving. Still, like many survivors, she continues to manage lasting effects. 

“I deal with ongoing exhaustion and cognitive challenges,” she says. 

After her cancer treatment ended, Alexandra was diagnosed with Stage B heart failure. Her doctor suggested she join the CCS-funded HIMALAYAS trial. 

Led by Dr Paaladinesh Thavendiranathan, a cardiologist at Peter Munk Cardiac Centre in Toronto, the HIMALAYAS trial is testing a new exercise‑based rehabilitation program designed for cancer survivors diagnosed before age 40. Although survival rates continue to improve, many people face lasting health challenges, including an increased risk of heart disease. Currently, there are few strategies designed specifically to help young survivors protect their long‑term heart health. 

With funding from CCS, Dr Thavendiranathan and his team are studying whether a structured, supervised exercise program can improve physical fitness, mental well-being and quality of life for young cancer survivors. To date, 52 people have enrolled in the trial. 

“Before joining the trial, I was proudly an avid non‑exerciser,” Alexandra says. “The HIMALAYAS project quite literally changed my life and my relationship with my physical health.” 

For her, the benefits reach far beyond physical strength. 

“This research changed the trajectory of my recovery,” she says. “Exercise has significantly improved my mental well-being and helped me manage stress and anxiety. I absolutely could not have done this without the HIMALAYAS team.” 

HIMALAYAS has also made a profound difference for participants like Hussein Hashi. 

At 16, Hussein began experiencing shortness of breath, lingering flu‑like symptoms and difficulty keeping up in gym class. His doctor noticed a lump in his throat and ordered x-rays, which led to a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. 

Fortunately, Hussein’s cancer was highly treatable and, within 6 months, he was in remission. Now in his early 40s, Hussein has completed university, earned 2 master’s degrees in engineering and information systems and built a full life that includes a young family. 

Hussein was told by his care team that chemotherapy and radiation can have long‑term effects on the heart even decades after treatment. In 2024, he was referred to a cardiologist, who suggested he join the HIMALAYAS trial. 

For Hussein, the experience has been both reassuring and empowering. 

“What gives me comfort is knowing that I can follow this program and keep going,” he says. “It may even help prevent me from needing medication.” 

Earlier this year, an echocardiogram showed that Hussein’s heart is healthy – and he’s proud that his participation in the trial will benefit future generations.  

Like Alexandra and Hussein, HIMALAYAS participants consistently report better physical fitness, mood and quality of life. Today, the trial is still running – reaching young cancer survivors so they can not only live longer, but live better. 

The HIMALAYAS trial is led by Dr Paaladinesh Thavendiranathan, cardiologist at University Health Network’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centrer and Director of the Ted Rogers Program in Cardiotoxicity Prevention. It involves a large team of lead investigators: Dr Fernando Rivera-Theurel, Dr Abha Gupta, Dr David Hogdson, Dr Scott Grandy, Dr Nathaniel Moulson, Dr Gabor Gyenes and Dr Francois Tournoux) and staff (Ms Nilina Mohabir, Mr Justin Co, Ms Allyssa Clemeno and Amy Suhanic).