Exercise During Cancer Treatment: What You Should Know

• A cancer diagnosis can upend your life. But some routines—like physical activity and exercise—should continue to be part of your day.

  The research is clear. Exercising throughout cancer treatment can reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue while boosting physical functioning and quality of life. Patients who are more active and have more muscle mass tend to experience few side effects. They also have improved survival rates.

  In some cases, exercise may even help reduce the risk of developing future cancers for those currently receiving treatment.

  Do what’s right for you

  Like medical treatment for cancer, exercise must be personalized for each individual patient, so talk to your doctor before you get started. Your care team can help you set goals and choose exercises that are right for your unique needs. 

  In general, experts recommend that most adults—including many cancer patients—should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

  Keep in mind that moderate isn’t one-size-fits all. Your doctor or physical therapist can help you find the right level of exertion. Or you might use the talk test to measure your intensity—during moderate-intensity exercise, you should be able to talk, but not sing. 

  If you didn’t run marathons before your cancer diagnosis, don’t try to start doing them now. Choose something you’ll enjoy and that fits your schedule. You might set aside time for a walk after dinner or ask a friend to be your yoga buddy.  

  Exercise doesn’t have to take large blocks of time. Small bursts of activity throughout your day count too—and they add up. For example, while you’re watching TV, you might make a point of walking around the house during commercials. Or stand up and do some arm or leg lifts.

  Finding dedicated time to exercise is best, but activities throughout the day count, too. Anything that gets you to stretch, breathe, balance, or raise your heart rate can be helpful. To fit more movement into your day:

  •    Park a little farther from the door to get more steps in.
  •    Choose the stairs over the elevator when you can.
  •    Walk around while you talk on the phone.

  Reach out

  If you are having trouble figuring out a routine that works for you, resources are available to help cancer patients identify activities that work for them. Ask your doctor for a referral to physical therapy, or check out your local YMCA for programs. 

  At Fox Chase Cancer Center, our Cancer Fatigue Program includes group exercise as well as individualized instructions for at-home activities. And our physical therapists have the experience and training to help people with cancer get moving safely at every stage of their treatment. Call 888-369-2427 to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online.