Exercise is not just about fitness, it plays a key role in helping your body cope with treatment and recover more effectively. Regular exercise can reduce cancer related fatigue, improve strength and physical function, support mental health, and enhance overall quality of life. It also helps maintain independence during and after treatment. Think of exercise as part of your treatment, not something separate from it.
Common side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are essential treatments, but they can come with side effects that affect how your body feels and functions. Common side effects include fatigue, muscle weakness, reduced fitness, nausea, joint stiffness, nerve related symptoms such as tingling or numbness, and reduced immunity. Many people also experience reduced confidence in movement and a drop in overall activity levels during treatment.
How exercise helps manage these side effects
Exercise plays a major role in managing the side effects of cancer treatment. It is one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer related fatigue, which is often the most common and limiting symptom. Regular movement helps maintain muscle strength, prevents deconditioning, and supports cardiovascular fitness. It can also improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance sleep quality. In addition, exercise helps maintain joint mobility and can reduce stiffness and discomfort associated with treatment. By staying active, patients often feel more in control of their body and recovery, and may tolerate treatment better.
Is exercise safe during cancer treatment
For most people, exercise is safe during cancer treatment when it is tailored to the individual. High quality evidence shows that appropriately prescribed exercise does not worsen the condition and can improve treatment tolerance while reducing side effects. The type and intensity of exercise should always be adjusted based on the type of cancer, stage of treatment, and current energy levels.
What type of exercise works best
There is no single perfect exercise, the best approach is one that combines different types of movement based on your needs. This may include light to moderate aerobic activities such as walking or cycling, strength training to maintain muscle mass, and mobility or flexibility exercises. Even small amounts of movement can make a meaningful difference when done consistently.
How a physio or exercise physiologist can help
Exercise during cancer care should be structured and individualised to ensure safety and effectiveness. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can assess your current capacity, design a tailored program, and adjust it based on your treatment cycle and symptoms. They can also help manage fatigue, guide progression, and ensure you are doing the right amount of activity at the right time.
A simple way to start
Starting exercise during cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, but it does not need to be complicated. Begin with short sessions, even ten minutes at a time, and choose low impact activities that feel manageable. Listen to your body, pace yourself, and gradually build up over time. Consistency is more important than intensity.
Key takeaway
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to support your body during and after cancer treatment. It helps reduce fatigue, improve strength, and enhance overall wellbeing. You do not need to do a lot to benefit, you just need to start, stay consistent, and follow a structured plan that suits your needs.
References:
Campbell KL et al. (2019): Exercise improves function and quality of life in cancer survivors.
Mustian KM et al. (2017): Exercise reduces cancer related fatigue.
Mishra SI et al. (2012): Exercise improves quality of life during cancer treatment.
Furmaniak AC et al. (2016): Exercise during cancer therapy is safe and beneficial.
Cramp F, Byron-Daniel J (2012): Exercise helps reduce cancer related fatigue.