When you have cancer, both the disease and the treatment can zap you of your physical energy. In fact, fatigue is one of the most common side effects people experience during cancer treatment.
And while it may seem counterintuitive, staying active — instead of just resting — can actually improve your energy levels. But the benefits of physical activity during cancer treatment don’t end there.
Exercising to feel better during cancer treatment
It’s no secret that exercise is an important part of staying healthy. And when you’re going through cancer treatment, it can be more important than ever.
Physical activity develops muscle strength, builds your endurance and improves your balance. These are all key factors that help you feel fitter and better able to function during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments.
Exercise has also been shown to help reduce many of the most common and debilitating side effects of cancer treatment, including:
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Weight loss or gain
Navigating cancer and treatment can also take a toll on your emotional health. Exercise has well-documented positive effects on mental health. Being physically active can help alleviate some symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
Exercise may make treatment more effective
Staying fit during cancer treatment can help your body handle chemo, radiation and other therapies better. It makes sense that a body that’s fitter and better able to function physically is also better equipped to cope with cancer treatment.
But recent studies indicate that the true benefits run deeper. Exercising during (and after) treatment may lead to better survival rates. Researchers don’t know exactly how exercise helps counteract cancer. But it’s clear that exercise can:
- Boost your immune system, increasing the production of cells that attack and kill cancer
- Decrease inflammation in the body, which is linked to cancer growth
- Increase creation of new blood vessels, improving blood flow
How to exercise during cancer treatment
If exercise has always been part of your life, continuing to stay active during cancer treatment may come naturally. But if you hadn’t been active before, starting an exercise routine during cancer treatment may seem daunting.
The key is to start slowly and build your endurance gradually. Whether you’re new to exercise or work out regularly, now may not be the time to drastically push your physical boundaries.
The American Cancer Society recommends working your way up to at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. They also recommend doing workouts that increase your muscle strength at least two days a week. Not everyone will be able to exercise that much during treatment. Listen to what your body needs.
Aerobic exercise could include activities such as:
- Cycling
- Dancing
- Jogging
- Hiking or walking
- Swimming
- Water aerobics
Talk to your doctor about exercise during and after treatment
Before starting an exercise routine, talk to your cancer care team. Each person’s situation is unique, so it’s important to get guidance geared specifically to you.
Your doctors can help you understand the benefits of exercise as well as the importance of listening to your body. Working with a trainer who’s familiar with the effects of cancer treatment can also be helpful. Ask your care team if your hospital offers individual or group exercise sessions for cancer survivors.
There will be days during cancer treatment when a workout seems impossible. But even then, you don’t have to be completely inactive. Finding a way to work even small amounts of movement into every day can go a long way toward improving your physical and mental health.
