How Exercise Can Help During and After Cancer Treatment

Exercise can help your body and mind during and after cancer treatment. In a recent HealthTree webinar, cancer exercise specialist Vic Arellano shared how regular movement may reduce side effects, improve strength and energy, and support a better quality of life. 

Find a reason to keep moving, even if you have cancer

Daily activities like shopping, cooking, and cleaning help keep you moving. But exercise is different. Exercise is planned and has a purpose. It may help you get stronger, improve your balance, or have more energy. 

Many people find it easier to exercise when they have a personal goal. During the webinar, Arellano shared that attending his son's wedding after his stem cell transplant became the goal that kept him moving. Your reason may be different, but having a goal can help you stay motivated.

"Be clear on your goals and your purpose. Start with the end in mind. Your motivation is going to be your why," said Arellano. 

Your goal should be personal. It might be walking farther, playing with your grandchildren, returning to work, or taking a family trip. 

Exercise can help with cancer treatment side effects

Many people think they should rest as much as possible during treatment. Rest is important, but too much rest can lead to muscle loss and make fatigue worse. Research shows that regular exercise is one of the best ways to help manage cancer-related fatigue.

Cancer-related fatigue is different from feeling tired after exercise. The tiredness from exercise usually improves after you rest and drink water. Cancer-related fatigue can last much longer.

Regular exercise may also help:

• Keep your muscles strong
• Improve your mood
• Lower stress and anxiety
• Support heart health
• Improve balance and flexibility
• Help you think more clearly
• Improve your quality of life

These benefits can make daily activities easier during and after treatment.

What research has shown about exercise for people with cancer

Research continues to show that exercise is an important part of cancer care. Studies have found that people who exercise regularly often have a lower risk of developing certain cancers. They may also have a lower risk of dying from cancer than people who are inactive. 

Other studies have found that people with greater muscle strength and better heart fitness often experience better survival. Researchers are also studying how exercise may help the immune system fight cancer. 

Exercise is not a treatment for cancer. But it can help support your body during and after treatment.

Start small and build over time

You do not have to exercise for hours to see benefits. Experts recommend working toward at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. They also recommend strength training two days each week. Moderate exercise means you are moving enough to breathe faster but can still carry on a conversation. If that feels like too much, start where you are.

"The greatest gain with exercise is going from doing nothing to doing something," said Arellano. 

Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, tai chi, and light strength exercises are all good choices. Even a short walk is a step in the right direction.

Exercise safely

Talk with your healthcare team before starting a new exercise program. They can tell you if you have any limits based on your treatment or other health conditions. A physical therapist or an exercise professional with cancer training can also help you exercise safely.

A few simple tips can help:

• Drink water before, during, and after exercise.
• Stop if an activity causes pain.
• Exercise in clean places if you have a higher risk of infection.
• Include balance exercises if you have numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
• Be patient with yourself. Some days will be harder than others. Even a small amount of movement is helpful.

Key takeaways 

Exercise is not a replacement for cancer treatment. But it can be an important part of your care. Start with small steps, choose activities you enjoy, and work with your healthcare team to find a plan that is safe for you. Over time, regular movement can help you feel stronger, improve your energy, and support your health.

"It's never too late to get started. Even if you're not an active individual now, you can start by taking small steps, and those small steps will lead to big results," said Arellano. 

Continue reading about the benefits of exercise for people with cancer:

• How Yoga Can Improve Cancer Survivor Well-Being
• Pilates for Strength and Mobility: What People With Cancer Need to Know
• Strength Training for People with Cancer
• Improve Well-Being with Tai Chi and Qigong While Living with Cancer