Exercise During Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment can leave you feeling fragile, but exercise during and after treatment can give you strength and improve your mood.

Your cancer care specialists will discuss safe exercise options for you as part of your treatment and our team will support you and your fitness goals throughout your cancer journey.

Benefits of Exercise During Cancer Treatment

A growing body of research continues to support the role exercise plays in cancer treatment.

Exercise during and after treatment can:

• Lower your chances of depression and generally improve your outlook
• Improve your mobility, helping you stay independent
• Prevent the loss of muscle, so you stay physically strong
• Lead to more restful sleep
• Help you heal faster from treatments or surgical procedures
• Prevent other diseases, like diabetes and heart disease
• Lower your risk for other cancers
• Help cancer treatments better destroy cancer cells

Discuss your fitness goals, any exercises your currently enjoy and options for continuing to improve your health with your cancer care team.

Parts of a Cancer Care Exercise Program

“The best exercise is the one you’ll do.”

Our cancer specialists will work with you to provide guidance on the types of exercise you enjoy — whether rigorous, like weight resistance or running, or more passive, like walking or gardening.

An effective fitness regimen to support your cancer treatment should include:

• Aerobic exercises, to strengthen your heart and lungs.
• Balance exercises, to reduce your risk of injuries from falls and help you return to a healthy, independent life following treatment.
• Breathing exercises, to alleviate stress and improve lung function.
• Strength building exercises, to reduce the risk of muscle loss during treatment and combat fatigue.

Be sure to speak with your cancer care specialist before beginning any exercise routine.