Exercise for Cancer Survivors

From the DFCI/NCCN Cancer Survivorship Information ^TM  

Exercise is a great idea for everyone, and especially for cancer survivors. It helps build strength and can help you reach or stay at a healthy weight. It is also good for your mood and can help you sleep at night.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people get 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on at least 5 days of the week. As a survivor, your ability to exercise will depend on things like:

• whether or not you were physically active before you had cancer
• your diagnosis
• the treatments you had
• any late effects of those treatments

Studies show that many people with cancer become less physically active during treatment. Then when their cancer is over, many of them don’t get as much exercise as they did before. This may be because of the cancer or the effects of the treatment. But any kind of exercise you can get is helpful! You don’t need to join a gym or buy fancy equipment. Here are some ways to fit exercise into your day:

• Use the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator.
• Walk or bike to your destination, if you can.
• Exercise with family, friends, or co-workers.
• Take an exercise break at work – stretch or take a short walk.
• Walk to visit nearby friends, neighbors, or co-workers instead of sending an email or text message.
• Wear a pedometer every day and try to add steps whenever you can.
• Use a stationary bicycle or treadmill while you watch TV.

Studies have shown that exercise can help cancer survivors. It’s best to get moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise at least 3 days a week, for at least 10 minutes at a time.

Before starting any exercise program, check with your oncologist or health care team. You may be able to start an exercise program on your own, or it might help to get a referral to an exercise specialist. You may need a special exercise program if you have:

• anemia 
• compromised immune system function
• extreme fatigue
• peripheral neuropathies (problems with your nervous system)
• ataxia (difficulty coordinating your muscles)