Cancer and exercise

Exercise and regular movement can be good ways to look after your body and mind during and after cancer treatment.

  • Getting moving can help physically and mentally 
  • Setting yourself small and achievable targets can be a good way to start 
  • Make sure you speak to your care team before starting any new type of exercise  

Can I exercise while I'm having cancer treatment?

This is a very common and very understandable question. Exercise might be the last thing on your mind while you’re going through cancer treatment but getting moving can be really helpful. Physical activity and regularly moving your body are good ways to look after your body and mind during and after cancer treatment. The most important thing is to make sure you speak to your care team before starting any kind of exercise or physical activity.  

Don’t ever force yourself to do something you don’t feel up to – you know your body and what you’re capable of so make sure you look after yourself! 

Find out more about how to get into exercise and what you can try below

Two young people taking on cancer and exercise with a game of swing ball

What type of exercise can I do?

You might have been really into a particular sport or activity before you were diagnosed with cancer or you might not have much experience of exercise and physical activity – either way, the most important thing is to find something that works for you. There are lots of different activities you can try that get your heart rate up a bit and get you warm. You can find lots of exercise videos online too, try searching your favourite type of physical activity on YouTube to see if you can find some classes to follow from home, for free.  

It’s better to do something manageable than nothing at all. Make sure you check with your care team before getting started. They can advise if there’s any specific activities or movements you should avoid depending on the type of cancer and treatment you have.  

Here are some suggestions of what you can try:  

  • A walk around the park  

  •  A few squats or stretches   

  • Going swimming (check this is OK with your care team first, though)   

  • A bike ride   

  • A gentle exercise class – like Tai Chi or yoga 

Trekstock have designed a programme called ‘Renew’ to help you keep moving through and beyond cancer, whatever your diagnosis, however you’re feeling. Each session builds on the one before and all exercises can be adjusted for any level of fitness and take into account any limitations you may have. You can find out more and sign up for it here

What are the benefits of exercising?

Getting into exercise can be a good way to keep healthy during and after cancer treatment. Exercise and movement can help support physical fitness but can also boost your mood and help relieve any stress you might be feeling. 

Exercise can help you:   

  • Feel better about yourself    

  • Get together with friends    

  • Feel energised and less fatigued   

  • Get to sleep more easily   

  • Deal with your emotions   

  • Keep your bones strong   

  • Heal tissues and organs that have been damaged by cancer treatment 

Can I exercise while I’m having chemo?

It’s always important to check with your care team before you start any form of exercise or activity.  

Chemotherapy can leave you with some side effects that might mean you don’t feel up to exercising, like fatigue and nausea. It’s important to listen to your body and how you’re feeling, don’t push yourself. If you feel up to it you could start with some gentle movement, take it slowly and see how you get on.  

Find out more about chemotherapy side effects here.  

Can I exercise while I’m having radiotherapy?

It’s always important to check with your care team before you start any form of exercise or activity.  

As with chemotherapy, radiotherapy can leave you with side effects that might impact how you feel about getting active. Radiotherapy is targeted at the specific area of your body where your cancer is located, this means you might experience some localised side effects to that area.  

If you think you’re ready to make a start, take your time with exercise and make sure you’re only doing what feels manageable to you.  

Find out more about radiotherapy here.  

How can I get into fitness for the first time?

You might feel nervous or unsure at the thought of getting into exercise if it’s not the kind of thing you’ve done before. One of the most important things to do is to find something that works for you and that you like doing. If you’re currently on treatment and in hospital this might be taking yourself for a walk around the ward, slowly building up the amount you’re doing. If you’re at home you might like to go out for a walk with a friend or family member to keep you company. You could download step count app to log your progress and see how you get on.  

There are lots of different ways to get active – if you want to try a new type of activity, like yoga or Pilates, then you might want to speak to someone at your local gym to see if they have any classes. Lots of local areas will have sports teams, both competitive and casual, have a look online and see if there’s something going on in your local area that you like the look of.  

If you’re nervous about joining something new for the first time, see if a friend or family member will come with you. If not, you could try sending the person running the activity or team a message first to introduce yourself and let them know a little bit about you so you have made a connection before you go.  

If you’re looking for something new to try at home to build up your confidence why not take a look at some of the options below:  

Remember – only do what feels right for you and don’t push yourself too hard!  

Nutrition and health during cancer