How Exercise Can Help Improve Fatigue for People with Lymphoma

In a recent HealthTree webinar, Dr. Priyanka Pophali from the Carbone Cancer Center shared how physical activity can help people with lymphoma reduce fatigue, support quality of life, and improve outcomes after treatment. Learn the main findings below, or watch the full webinar here. 

Fatigue’s impact on people with lymphoma

One of the most common and challenging symptoms for people with lymphoma is fatigue. Fatigue is different from regular tiredness because it is not always fixed by rest. It can make it difficult to start activities, stay active, or concentrate. These challenges can also lead to emotional distress.

Fatigue can happen before, during, and long after treatment is over. In fact, up to one-third of people with lymphoma still experience fatigue months or years after finishing treatment. This can affect daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being. 

Understanding this symptom is important because many people don’t report it to their doctor. Some may assume fatigue is inevitable and that nothing can be done. However, there are ways to manage and reduce cancer-related fatigue. It may seem surprising, but physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve cancer-related fatigue.  

Exercise is the most studied and proven way to reduce lymphoma-related fatigue

Dr. Pophali stated that research shows that regular physical activity is the top recommendation to improve fatigue for people with lymphoma. Unlike medications, which have little evidence of helping fatigue, exercise has been proven in multiple studies to make a real difference.

In one large study of more than 100 lymphoma patients, participants were divided into two groups. One group received usual care, while the other joined a 12-week supervised exercise program. The exercise group showed better physical functioning, improved fitness levels, and reported less fatigue. This was true for patients receiving chemotherapy and for those who had completed treatment.

Starting small can still improve your health 

It’s normal to wonder, “How can I exercise when I’m already exhausted?” The answer is to start with small steps. Even light activities such as walking around the house, standing up more often, or doing gentle stretches can help.

For those who have never exercised before, the goal is not to meet all national fitness guidelines right away. Studies show that any increase in physical activity is linked to living longer and feeling better after lymphoma treatment. Even a short daily walk can lead to long-term health improvements. 

Exercise before, during, and after treatment makes a difference

Dr. Pophali emphasized that staying active benefits people with lymphoma at every stage:

• Before treatment, physical activity helps build stamina and prepare your body for therapies like chemotherapy or cellular treatments.
• During treatment, exercise can help maintain strength, reduce fatigue, and improve tolerance to treatment.
• After treatment, continued movement supports long-term recovery, reduces the risk of other health problems like heart issues, and lowers the chance of the lymphoma coming back.

What kind of exercise is best for people with lymphoma?

The type of physical activity doesn’t matter as much as simply getting started. Here are some examples:

• Aerobic activities: Walking, swimming, biking, or using a stationary bike.
• Strength training: Using light weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight with movements like chair squats or kitchen counter push-ups.
• Flexibility and balance: Stretching, yoga, or tai chi can help, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that causes tingling or weakness in hands and feet).

Moderate-intensity activity is recommended, meaning you should be able to talk while exercising but not sing. 

Safety first: Talk to your doctor if you have concerns

Most people with lymphoma can exercise safely, but certain conditions may require extra precautions. For example, if you have: 

Low blood counts. If you have low blood counts, you may want to avoid high-risk activities like contact sports that could lead to injuries. When you have low blood counts, you are at a higher risk of serious bruising or bleeding. 

A port. Avoid movements that can cause irritation to the skin around your port. 

Lymphedema. Lymphedema is fluid buildup causing swelling in the limbs. Ask your health care team for specific exercises and guidance on safe movement with lymphedema. 

Dizziness, shortness of breath at rest, or severe bone involvement. If you have any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor before beginning a new exercise plan. 

How to stay motivated and make exercise part of your life

Starting to move again can feel overwhelming, especially if you haven’t exercised before or have avoided it during treatment. Support from family, friends, or a local support group can help. Stay motivated by setting small, realistic goals, tracking your progress, and celebrating small wins.

Local YMCA programs like Livestrong offer free exercise classes for cancer survivors. Online resources like exercisemedicine.org also provide home-based programs and goal-setting tools.

Key takeaways 

Physical activity is one of the most powerful tools for improving life with lymphoma. It helps reduce fatigue, maintain strength, improve quality of life, and may even help you live longer. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.

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