Should You Exercise When You Have Cancer?

After a cancer diagnosis, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. You may already feel physically and emotionally drained. Or you may worry that you’ll push too hard or do something unsafe.

That’s understandable. But know that moving your body — even a little — can make a big difference.

“Exercise has benefits in all stages of cancer,” says medical oncologist Dale Shepard, MD, PhD. “People who exercise are more likely to tolerate treatment better. And they may have less fatigue than people who don’t exercise.”

Here’s what to know about exercising with cancer — and why even small amounts of movement matter.

Is it safe to exercise when you have cancer?

In most cases, exercise is safe and helpful for people with cancer. But always check with your healthcare team first. They can help you find the right type and amount of activity to support your treatment while staying safe.

“It’s always important to make sure your doctor knows what you’re doing,” Dr. Shepard advises. “There may be exercises you should avoid or times when exercising isn’t recommended for you.”

Your care team may recommend changing or pausing your workouts if you:

• Are recovering from surgery
• Are running a fever or feeling sick
• Have severe fatigue
• Have pain or swelling that’s new or worsening
• Have conditions like lymphedema

Benefits of exercising during cancer treatment

Exercise can support your cancer recovery by helping you feel your best, both physically and mentally. Specifically, exercising can help:

• Lower inflammation: Inflammation can fuel cancer. Moving your body can help keep it in check.
• Lower fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment. It may sound counterintuitive, but exercising can help boost your energy by releasing endorphins and encouraging blood flow.
• Improve treatment tolerance: Being in better physical shape can help your body handle the stress of treatment.
• Improve sleep and mental health: Exercise can help you sleep better, feel more relaxed and lift your mood — all important when you’re managing the emotional toll of a diagnosis.
• Create a sense of normalcy: Getting activity in your day can make you feel more in control and more like yourself during treatment and recovery.
• Maintain physical health: Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can decrease muscle strength and mobility. Staying active helps preserve both.
• Weight management: Several cancers are linked to obesity. Staying active supports a healthy weight.
• Improve survival and reduce recurrence risk: Newer research in colon cancer survivors suggests exercise after treatment may lower recurrence risk. And across several cancers, staying active after diagnosis is linked to longer life.

How much exercise should you aim for?

The American Cancer Society recommends starting slowly with exercise during cancer treatment and building up as you feel able.

“Any amount of exercise can be beneficial,” Dr. Shepard says. “It doesn’t have to be high impact.”

If you are newer to exercise or are experiencing symptoms that make more intense exercise difficult, start with more gentle activities, like:

• Walking
• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Stationary biking
• Body weight activities, like planks or squats

If you’re up for it, gradually work your way up to longer and more intense physical activity. The current recommendations for general health are to spend 150 minutes per week on moderate-intensity aerobic activity, plus twice-a-week strength-training exercises.

Tips for staying active safely

Above all, listen to your healthcare team and your body. It’s normal to have good days and bad days during treatment and recovery. Some days, your goal might be to finish a short walk. Other days, getting dressed can be enough. That’s OK.

Stop activity and talk with your oncology team if exercising causes:

• New or worsening pain
• Dizziness or shortness of breath
• Extreme fatigue
• Any symptom that “just doesn’t seem right”

As Dr. Shepard says, “It’s better to get support early than late.”

Final thoughts

Movement is one of the most powerful tools you have to feel your best during cancer treatment — and every little bit helps. Small, steady activity can boost your energy, support your mental health and even improve your long-term outlook.

“People who exercise do better,” Dr. Shepard says simply.

So, support your body in whatever way feels possible today. Go at your own pace, and partner with your care team to find what’s safe and sustainable for you.