"Exercise should now become a routine part of the treatment of adults during active therapy."

Why Exercise?

Exercise not only supports recovery by easing side effects and boosting mental health, but also activates the body's innate responses against cancer. The same biological processes that enable the body to adapt and repair itself after exercise can also be applied to fight cancer. Exercise turns on these programs and can even work synergistically with treatments to enhance their efficacy.

According to the latest research, individuals with cancer who regularly engage in physical activity experience a 30% lower risk of cancer-specific mortality and a 20-45% lower risk in all-cause mortality.

Structured exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to improve quality of life for individuals with cancer by reducing or preventing major side effects, including treatment-related fatigue, pain, depression, anxiety, muscle loss, frailty, and accelerated aging.

Importantly, exercise significantly improves immune function, which is critical for targeting and eliminating cancer cells as well as for long-lasting protection against recurrence.

FAQs

Is it safe?

With the proper precautions and guidance, exercise is generally safe. If you are unsure whether you can safely exercise, consult your healthcare team.

What if I feel too tired?

Exercise is actually one of the most effective remedies for cancer-related fatigue, with 50-70% of patients reporting improvements in energy levels. A majority of patients also report moderate improvements in mood and quality of life as a result of engaging in exercise.

A mixture of cardiovascular and strength-training exercises has been shown to be most effective at producing physiological benefits against cancer. The best exercise routine, however, is one that is sustainable and personalized to the individual.

What types of exercise are most beneficial?

Who should exercise?

While exercise strategies vary across cancers, treatment types, and stages of the cancer journey, almost all patients can benefit from appropriately tailored training.

When I can expect to see improvements?

Studies show that anti-cancer responses can be seen in the blood even after one session of exercise. More durable responses, including improved metabolic, vascular, and immune function, can be expected over several weeks.

Get Your Free Guide: The Science of Exercise and Cancer

Explore the latest research on how exercise supports anti-cancer biology.