7 March 2022
If you are being treated for cancer or recovering, you may have thought it was important to rest, but research shows that exercise benefits most people with cancer during and after treatment.
Before treatment for cancer starts, exercise can help reduce treatment-related complications and enhance post-surgery recovery. During treatment, exercise can minimize the number, duration, and severity of side effects.
Preservations and Improvements
- Muscle strength, mass and power
- Quality of life
- Body composition and bone health
- Physical functioning and fitness
- Immune function
- Cancer treatment adherence
- Body image, mood and self esteem
- Cognition
- Sleep quality
Reductions
- Duration of hospitalization
- Psychological and emotional stress
- Depression and anxiety
- Number and severity of treatment
related symptoms and side effects (e.g. pain, fatigue, lymphoedema, and nausea) - Sexual dysfunction
- Risk of cancer recurrence and mortality
Exercise guidelines
The physical activity guidelines for people with cancer are similar to those recommended for everyone: 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity every week. Not quite ready for that level of exercise? Follow these instead:
- If you can’t start at 150 minutes a week, be as active as you are able.
- Once cleared to do so by your surgeon, return to normal daily activities as quickly as possible after surgery.
- Do some kind of resistance training (weightlifting, resistance bands) at least twice a week.
- Stay flexible with regular stretching.
- Incorporate balance exercises into your daily routines.
Your treatment may have left you feeling like you have a different body, but you can take charge after this life-changing event and really improve your quality of life.