Exercise During Cancer Treatment

Not only does exercise during cancer treatment decrease the number and/or severity of side effects, but it also assists in recovery from treatment and in some cases can lower the risk of cancer recurrence. Exercise is also vital for the maintenance and/or improvement of physical functioning, mental health, and quality of life during treatment. Per guidelines, it is recommended that all individuals diagnosed with cancer avoid inactivity, improve general health, and aim to achieve the current physical activity guidelines for healthy populations (≥150 min/week aerobic exercise and ≥2 days/week strength training as well as incorporating balance and flexibility exercise).1,2,3 This is why it is vital that these individuals are working with proper exercise professionals to ensure that they are getting the appropriate modes and intensities of exercise to best help them meet those recommendations. If individuals are unable to meet recommended targets upon starting exercise, the appropriately qualified exercise professionals would assist them to meet these recommendations.