Benefits of Physical Activity

Physical activity is an important part of recovery and wellbeing for people who have had cancer. Current scientific evidence shows that staying physically active during and after treatment can help improve quality of life, reduce some treatment-related side effects and support functional recovery. In addition, for certain types of cancer, physical activity is associated with a lower risk of recurrence and improved survival.

Even during treatment, whenever possible and according to each person's clinical condition, it is recommended to avoid prolonged inactivity. Simple activities such as walking, standing up regularly and carrying out everyday tasks can provide significant benefits.

Benefits of Physical Activity

Regular physical activity can help to:

  • Reduce cancer-related fatigue and some treatment side effects.
  • Reduce anxiety, stress and symptoms of depression.
  • Improve mood and quality of life.
  • Maintain and strengthen muscle mass.
  • Improve bone health and joint mobility.
  • Support cardiovascular and metabolic health.
  • Help maintain a healthy weight.
  • Improve functional ability and independence in daily activities.

Physical Activity After Treatment

Following treatment, many people experience a loss of strength, reduced stamina, fatigue or changes in body composition. Regular physical activity can help gradually restore fitness levels and improve confidence when returning to everyday activities.

If you are not used to exercising, there is no need to start with intense activities. You can begin with simple actions such as:

  • Walking short distances.
  • Using the stairs whenever possible.
  • Carrying out household tasks.
  • Getting up and moving regularly if you spend long periods sitting down.

As your fitness improves, you may wish to include other enjoyable and motivating activities, such as walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, yoga or adapted strength-training exercises.

How Much Physical Activity Is Recommended?

Current recommendations for cancer survivors are similar to those for the general population, while taking individual abilities and limitations into account. The aim is to gradually achieve:

  • 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, or
  • 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week, or an equivalent combination of both.

In addition:

  • Perform muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days per week.
  • Reduce sedentary time and avoid sitting for prolonged periods.

Any amount of physical activity is better than none. If you do not currently exercise, start slowly and gradually increase your activity level according to your abilities and tolerance.

Physical Activity and Advanced Cancer

People living with advanced cancer can also benefit from remaining active within their individual capabilities.

Adapted physical activity may help to:

  • Reduce fatigue.
  • Improve physical function.
  • Relieve constipation.
  • Improve sleep quality.
  • Maintain independence.
  • Reduce anxiety and improve emotional wellbeing.

In these situations, the main goal is usually not to improve physical performance but to maintain independence and quality of life.

The following activities may be helpful:

  • Taking short walks.
  • Performing gentle stretching and mobility exercises.
  • Using adapted exercise programmes or chair-based exercises.
  • Taking part in activities with family members or carers whenever possible.

The type and intensity of exercise should be tailored to the individual's symptoms, functional status and the recommendations of their healthcare team.

Recommended Types of Physical Activity

Ideally, a combination of different types of exercise should be included.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise helps improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

Examples include:

  • Walking.
  • Dancing.
  • Cycling.
  • Swimming.
  • Running or jogging, when appropriate.

Strength or Resistance Exercise

These exercises help maintain or increase muscle mass and functional strength.

Examples include:

  • Light weights.
  • Resistance bands.
  • Weight-training machines.
  • Bodyweight exercises.

Flexibility Exercises

Flexibility exercises help maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness.

Examples include:

  • Stretching exercises.
  • Adapted yoga.
  • Mobility exercises.

Balance Exercises

Balance exercises can help prevent falls, particularly in older adults or people experiencing weakness.

Examples include:

  • Tai Chi.
  • Yoga.
  • Adapted Pilates.
  • Specific balance exercises.

Safety During Physical Activity

Physical activity is generally safe for most people with cancer, but some situations require special precautions.

Please consult your healthcare team before starting or changing an exercise programme if you have:

  • Bone metastases or significant bone involvement.
  • Severe anaemia.
  • Active infections.
  • Fever.
  • Significant heart or respiratory problems.
  • Peripheral neuropathy affecting balance.
  • Lymphoedema.
  • Recently undergone surgery.

In some cases, assessment by an oncology physiotherapist or an exercise professional with specialist training may be required.

Getting Started

If you would like to increase your level of physical activity, the following strategies may help:

  • Start slowly and build up gradually.
  • Set realistic and achievable goals.
  • Choose activities that you enjoy.
  • Keep track of your progress.
  • Exercise with others whenever possible.
  • Incorporate more movement into your daily routine.
  • Listen to your body and rest when needed.
  • Celebrate small achievements along the way.