Exercise and Cancer: Why It’s Especially Important at This Time
It’s common knowledge that exercise is good for your health. But what about if you have cancer or are undergoing treatment? Fatigue caused by the disease or treatment can make it difficult to stay active. At the same time, you often hear the advice to listen to your body. But if you’re already tired, should you exercise or not? Read the latest blog by internist-oncologist Tanja Oostergo.
How much exercise should you get if you have cancer?
Both national and international guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exerciseper week, as well as muscle- and bone-strengthening exercises, such as strength training, twice a week. This advice applies to both healthy people and people with cancer.
Moderate-intensity exercise means that your heart rate and breathing increase slightly—think of walking, cycling, or gardening. Of course, 150 minutes a week isn’t feasible for everyone. Exercise should always be tailored to your personal situation. Physical symptoms, recent surgeries, or medical advice (such as in cases of bone metastases) can affect what is safe for you.
A tailored approach is therefore essential, but the overall goal remains the same: keep moving, within the limits of what is possible.
Internal Medicine Oncologist Tanja Oostergo
Why is exercise so important during and after cancer treatment?
Exercise helps maintain or improve your physical condition, and it can actually reduce fatigue. Many people feel more energetic, are in a better mood, and experience less anxiety or sadness when they exercise regularly.
Research shows that exercise offers benefits at every stage of the treatment process:
Before surgery or chemotherapy: exercise helps you start treatment in better shape.
During chemotherapy: staying active helps you cope better with treatment, reduces side effects, and speeds up recovery afterward. People who stay active are often able to return to work sooner after completing their treatment.
During anti-hormonal therapy (such as for prostate or breast cancer): exercise helps maintain muscle mass, aids in weight maintenance, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, and helps alleviate muscle and joint pain.
Even after treatment is complete, staying active remains important. Research shows that getting enough exercise after diagnosis—particularly in cases of breast and colorectal cancer—can reduce the risk of the disease returning.
Practical tips for staying active
For some people, staying activecomes naturally. For others, it can be a challenge, especially during or after intensive treatment. These tips can help you get (back) into the swing of things:
Start small
150 minutes a week means 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week—and you can break that down into shorter sessions. Three 10-minute walks count just as well.Choose a form of exercise that you enjoy
Whether it’s walking, cycling, gardening, or dancing—enjoying it makes it easier to stick with.Get active together
Ask a family member or friend to join you. Many people want to help but don’t know how. Exercising together is fun and motivating.Seek professional guidance
Consider oncology physical therapy. A specialized physical therapist can help improve your strength and fitness, tailored to your physical capacity. Plus, having regular appointments provides a helpful incentive to stay on track.Listen to your body
Exercise may be tiring, but it should not cause pain or extreme exhaustion. Adjust your pace and duration as needed.
In conclusion: every step counts
Exercise is an important part of recovery—both physically and mentally. Every step counts, literally. Whether you go for a short walk, hop on a bike, or join a supervised exercise program: the most important thing is that you stay active, in your own way.
Need personalized advice?
Do you have cancer and would you like to receive personalized advice and guidance from medical oncologist Tanja Oostergo? Visit our services page and feel free to contact Mauro Medical Specialists at 030-2072176.