EXERCISE AND CANCER, YET ANOTHER WORKOUT?

For anyone with cancer, exercise is not just “something good to do.” It plays a crucial role in maintaining strength, managing fatigue, supporting cardiovascular health, protecting bones, and improving overall well-being.

Unlike someone without a cancer history, the body’s response to physical activity can be influenced by treatments, side effects, and the stage of the disease. This makes personalised guidance essential — what works for one person may be unsafe or ineffective for another.

Key differences for cancer patients

Cancer and its treatments can affect nearly every system in the body. Fatigue is common, sometimes making even light activity feel exhausting. Treatments can lead to muscle loss, reduced endurance, and decreased balance, which can make everyday movements harder. Bone density can also be compromised, increasing the risk of fractures, while certain medications or radiation can affect the heart or lungs, requiring careful exercise planning.

Delayed side effects such as neuropathy, lymphedema, or joint pain can appear weeks or months after treatment, impacting which exercises are safe and effective. For instance, someone with neuropathy in their feet may need to avoid high-impact cardio, while a patient with lymphedema may need modifications to upper-body strength exercises. Because these factors are highly individual, exercise intensity, frequency, and selection often need to differ significantly from someone who hasn’t experienced cancer.

Why assessment is crucial

Every journey with cancer is unique. A generic program may not account for the type of cancer, treatment history, current side effects, or personal goals. Professional assessment and evaluation ensure that exercise is safe, effective, and tailored to the individual.

Assessment may include evaluating strength, mobility, cardiovascular fitness, and fatigue levels, as well as identifying any physical limitations caused by treatment. Understanding these factors allows for a program that challenges the body appropriately without overloading it, protecting recovery while maximising benefits.

Safe guidelines for exercise during cancer

Exercise should start gently and progress gradually. Monitoring fatigue, pain, swelling, or unusual symptoms is essential, and any concerns should prompt modification or pause. Low-impact activities like walking, gentle resistance training, or seated cardio may be preferable initially, gradually increasing intensity as tolerance improves.

It’s also important to recognise that recovery is not linear. Some days may feel easier, while others are harder. Listening to your body and adjusting accordingly is key. Exercise is a long-term tool for building strength, resilience, and independence — a marathon, not a sprint.

The big picture

Thoughtful, guided exercise helps protect the body from the physical toll of cancer, supports mental well-being, and improves quality of life. Studies show that consistent physical activity can reduce fatigue, maintain muscle and bone strength, and even enhance survival outcomes. Beyond the physical benefits, exercise also promotes a sense of agency and confidence, empowering individuals to feel more in control of their health.

Because every person with cancer is different, understanding the nuances and approaching exercise carefully can make a meaningful difference in long-term health, recovery, and survivorship.

If you know someone who could benefit from learning this, consider sharing this article with them. It might change their lives.