Exercise and Cancer

Research shows that exercise is not only safe, but also helps with the outcomes of a variety of cancers including the most common types, i.e. breast, prostate and bowl cancer.  Exercise helps during (and after) treatment, by counteracting many of the side effects caused by the treatment such as muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue, depression, anxiety and decreased immunity. Research also shows that exercise improves quality of life, and that regularly exercising patients are more likely to complete their chemotherapy cycles, which leads to better long term outcomes.

Exercise during this time should be under the counsel of an expert exercise physiologist who will prepare a specialised program unique to you and your disease management. This will be more effective than undertaking a program on your own. The first step should be consulting your treating oncologist or GP. Your program will be individually tailored to your needs and could range from a walking program to a vigorous gym program.