Cancer - exercise to help you cope

Research shows that exercise is a safe and effective way to counter many of the physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment. For many people, staying active alongside their standard cancer treatment is one of the most helpful things they can do, because regular exercise can reduce, and sometimes even prevent, common side effects of cancer and its treatments.

Studies have found that people with cancer who take part in good-quality exercise programs tend to have less fatigue, lower levels of mental distress, better physical functioning and a better quality of life than those who do not exercise. Emerging research also suggests that being physically active may lower the relative risk of cancer recurrence and improve survival for some cancers, with most studies so far focused on breast, colorectal and prostate cancers.

More research is still needed to fully understand how exercise affects cancer progression and survival.

How exercise can help#

When it is suited to your situation, exercise may help manage a range of cancer-related symptoms and side effects. For example, it may help to:

• maintain a healthy balance of muscle and fat
• preserve bone strength
• decrease pain
• counteract nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
• manage lymphoedema
• improve sleep quality

Exercise also appears to lower the risk of developing other long-term conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, although more research is needed here too.

Other benefits people often notice include:

• improved overall health and wellbeing
• greater physical ability, muscle strength and endurance
• more energy and less cancer-related fatigue
• lower levels of stress, depression and anxiety, and improved mood
• better heart and lung function, and less shortness of breath
• improved bone density
• greater flexibility and joint range of motion
• better balance and a lower risk of falling
• less nausea and vomiting for some people having chemotherapy
• a better appetite and improved digestion
• deeper, more refreshing sleep
• a greater sense of control over your life, which can support recovery

Together with good nutrition, exercise can help you build a healthy, active lifestyle and ease your return to daily life, work, and time with friends and family.

Who can exercise with cancer#

Everyone with cancer is strongly encouraged to avoid long periods of inactivity and to take part in regular exercise. Exercise is safe when it is appropriately prescribed and monitored. People with complex or uncontrolled conditions often need extra precautions, which may mean a modified program or delaying the start of a program.

If you have any concerns about whether exercise is safe for you, get advice from a qualified health professional, such as your cancer specialist, doctor, exercise physiologist or physiotherapist, before you begin.

You may need a modified program if you have a condition such as primary or metastatic bone cancer. You may also need to take care, modify your activity, or delay starting if you have:

• pain
• lymphoedema
• moderate to severe fatigue
• anaemia
• significant shortness of breath
• a low platelet count
• skin reactions or burns from radiation therapy
• a weakened immune system
• nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)

You should delay starting an exercise program if you have severe anaemia, a fever or severe weight loss.

Try to avoid being physically inactive#

Some days will be harder than others, but even a few minutes of light exercise is better than none. Research suggests that activity is particularly important in the management of cancer, partly because people who exercise regularly tend to have fewer and less severe side effects from treatment. Being more physically active after a diagnosis may also be linked with a lower risk of the cancer returning.

Before starting any exercise program, during or after treatment, talk with a suitable health professional about any precautions you may need. This includes your oncologist, doctor, or an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist who has experience working with people who have cancer. If it has been a while since you were active, or your fitness is low, start slowly and build up gradually.

Listen to your body#

Exercise takes effort, but you should not push yourself to the point of pain or excessive discomfort.

Starting can feel overwhelming#

Because cancer and its treatment affect everyone differently, the advice of an exercise physiologist can be very helpful. These qualified health professionals can design an individual program suited to your current condition and abilities.

Your health insurance may cover some of the cost of seeing an accredited exercise physiologist or physiotherapist. Ask your doctor for a referral to a suitable exercise professional.

Key points#

• For many people with cancer, exercise is one of the most helpful things they can do alongside standard cancer treatment.
• Exercise can reduce, and sometimes prevent, common side effects of cancer and its treatments.
• People with complex or uncontrolled conditions often need extra precautions.
• You may need a modified program if you have a condition such as primary or metastatic bone cancer.
• Even on hard days, try to avoid being physically inactive.

Where to get help#