Cancer treatment is often physically and emotionally exhausting, but studies show that maintaining an exercise routine can offer significant benefits. Even small amounts of physical activity can help reduce fatigue, improve strength, and potentially enhance treatment outcomes. While exercising during treatment may feel daunting, it’s worth exploring how it can improve your overall well-being. This article provides tips on how to get started safely and outlines the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment. 

How to Get Started with Exercising: Practical Tips 

Starting an exercise routine during cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. Begin at your own pace and listen to your body. Here are some tips to help you get started safely: 

Consult Your Healthcare Team. Before starting any exercise program, talk to your doctor or oncologist. They can advise you on the safest and most effective types of exercise based on your specific treatment and health conditions. Sometimes, they may recommend working with a physical therapist specializing in cancer care. 

Start Small. If you’re feeling tired or new to exercise, begin with low-intensity activities like walking or gentle stretching. Start with 10-15 minutes of daily activity and gradually increase the time and intensity as your energy allows. Remember, even small amounts of movement can make a difference in how you feel. 

Focus on Low-Impact Activities. Low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming are ideal for cancer patients because they’re easy on the joints while offering significant health benefits. Walking is beneficial because it’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine and can be done almost anywhere. 

Incorporate Strength Training. To combat muscle loss, incorporate light strength training into your routine using resistance bands or light weights. You don’t need a gym—a few simple exercises at home, such as wall push-ups or seated leg lifts, can help maintain muscle mass. If needed, ask a physical therapist for guidance on appropriate exercises. 

Stay Hydrated and Nourished. Ensure you stay hydrated and eat small, nutritious meals before and after exercising. Cancer treatments can sometimes affect appetite and hydration, so fueling your body to maintain energy levels and aid recovery after physical activity is essential. Learn more about nutrition tips for cancer patients. 

Listen to Your Body. Your energy levels may fluctuate during treatment, so listening to your body and adjusting your activity is crucial. If you’re feeling particularly fatigued, it’s okay to rest. On better days, you might feel up for more movement—just be mindful of your limits and avoid pushing yourself too hard. 

Why Exercise During Cancer Treatment? 

• Reduces Fatigue  

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and challenging side effects of treatment. Unlike regular tiredness, this type of fatigue doesn’t improve with rest. However, research shows that moderate physical activity can alleviate it. Incorporating movement into your routine can help boost energy and make you feel more capable of managing your day-to-day life. ^{(1, 2)} 

• Preserves Muscle Mass and Strength  

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can lead to muscle loss and weakness. Strength training, such as lifting light weights or using resistance bands, can help counteract this. Maintaining muscle mass is essential for mobility, independence, and overall physical health during treatment. ⁽³⁾ 

• Improves Mood and Mental Health  

Exercise has long been known to improve mental health by boosting mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. For cancer patients, the emotional toll of treatment can be overwhelming. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, brain chemicals that promote a sense of well-being, helping to reduce stress and improve overall mood. ^(4,5) 

• Supports Immune Function  

Cancer treatments can weaken the immune system, but moderate exercise has been shown to enhance immune function. While intense exercise may temporarily suppress immune function, moderate activity can strengthen it, offering additional support during cancer treatment. ⁽⁶⁾ 

• Enhances Cardiovascular Health  

Some cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy and radiation, can have harmful effects on the heart. Cardiovascular exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can help protect heart health. Cancer patients who exercise regularly have better cardiovascular outcomes than those who didn’t. Regular exercise helps lower the risk of heart-related issues, which can be especially important for patients undergoing aggressive treatments. ⁽⁷⁾ 

Exercise during cancer treatment doesn’t have to be strenuous to make a difference. Regular, moderate physical activity offers numerous benefits, from reducing fatigue and improving mood to maintaining muscle mass and supporting immune function. Integrating exercise into your cancer care plan can enhance your overall quality of life, whether a short walk, a yoga session, or light strength training. Take that first step, and let movement become a part of your healing process. 

References: 

1. Chen, X., Li, J., Chen, C. et al. Effects of exercise interventions on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life among cancer patients: a meta-analysis. BMC Nurs 22, 200 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-023-01363-0 

2. Kelley, G.A., Kelley, K.S. Exercise and cancer-related fatigue in adults: a systematic review of previous systematic reviews with meta-analyses. BMC Cancer 17, 693 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-017-3687-5 

3. Nascimento, W., Ferrari, G., Martins, C.B. et al. Muscle-strengthening activities and cancer incidence and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 18, 69 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-021-01142-7 

4. Harvard Health. (2023). Regular physical activity can boost mood. Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/regular-physical-activity-can-boost-mood 

5. American Psychological Association. (2020). Exercise and mood. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://health.umms.org/2020/06/11/exercise-mood/ 

6. Harvard Health. (2023). Regular physical activity can boost mood. Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/regular-physical-activity-can-boost-mood

7. Squires, R. W., Shultz, A. M., & Herrmann, J. (2018). Exercise training and cardiovascular health in cancer patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 20, Article 27. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11912-018-0681-2