31 Jan Exercise and Cancer – What are the Benefits?

February 4th is World Cancer Day. In the vast realm of cancer, where uncertainties loom and treatments abound, one powerful tool often gets overlooked – exercise. Let’s redefine our perspective on exercise as a method of treatment and shed light on its safe and impactful role in cancer management!

When it comes to exercise and cancer, research points to a personalised approach where exercise is most beneficial when tailored through patient assessment, addressing both general and cancer-specific health considerations. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s about crafting a unique prescription that aligns with individual needs. The best way to ensure you’re receiving qualified expert advice about the most beneficial exercise for you is to chat to your local Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). You can find your closest exercise professional here.

So, what does a cancer-specific exercise regimen look like? Think multimodal, moderate to high-intensity exercises. It’s not just about breaking a sweat, it’s about setting meaningful goals and empowering patients to drive their own recovery.

Improvements in mental health, fatigue, mobility, quality of life and bone strength are not the only benefits of exercise for cancer. For more information, check out ESSA’s free Exercise and Cancer eBook.

WHERE DO I START WITH EXERCISE? 

For the average Australian, the guidelines for physical activity recommend the following:

• 150 to 300 minutes (2 ½ to 5 hours) of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly.
• Be active on most days every week, preferably some form of activity on every day.
• Muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days each week.
• Minimise the amount of time spent in prolonged sitting positions.
• Break up long periods of sitting as often as possible.

WHAT EXERCISE IS APPROPRIATE FOR THOSE WITH CANCER?

It can be difficult to gauge exercise intensity when your fitness levels may differ from what they were pre-cancer. Here are some simple tips to help you monitor how hard you are working:

1. Remember that sometimes a seemingly ‘easy’ or light-intensity activity (e.g. walking for 10 minutes) might feel like a moderate-intensity workout during treatment, so it’s important to exercise at an intensity that feels right for you and avoid pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion.
2. Ask yourself these questions using the ‘Talk Test’:

• Can I talk comfortably and sing comfortably? ​– If yes, you’re likely exercising at a light intensity.​
• Can I talk comfortably but not sing? ​– If yes, this is likely to be moderate-intensity exercise.
• Can I neither talk nor sing comfortably? ​– If yes, you’re working hard at a vigorous/high intensity.

Remember, energy levels can fluctuate day to day – and that is okay! Move as you can and if you’re still unsure if you’re exercising right for your condition, chat to your local Accredited Exercise Physiologist for expert personalised advice.

HOW DO I EXERCISE DURING TREATMENT?

Working with your medical specialists for clearance and an exercise professional will assist you here. Some common considerations are to:

• Ensure medical professionals have been consulted and that the exercise program is developed for the specific cancer and treatment type, cancer site and any complications, such as peripheral neuropathy which may impact balance.
• Go at your own pace – any movement, no matter how small, can help.
• Avoid overstretching around catheters or surgical wound sites.
• Ensure stomas are cleaned pre- and post-exercise or when feeling feverish.
• Monitor acute changes to fatigue, pain, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Seek health care with any unusual symptoms.

IS EXERCISE REALLY SAFE FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER?

Safety can be a key concern for patients and families. Research shows that individualised exercise prescription offers both short and long-term health benefits, with minimal risk to people with cancer. This isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s about reclaiming control over your condition.

Exercise can be a vital component in the comprehensive management of cancer and is a useful tool that shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to cancer.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT EXERCISE AND CANCER? 

Personalised programs should include behaviour change advice and support resources, recognising the holistic nature of well-being. Personalised exercise programs are comprehensive strategies that offers the greatest patient outcomes.

Make sure you speak with your GP for referral options which may be accessed as part of a Chronic Disease Management Plan, which provides a Medicare rebate for those eligible.

For more support, download ESSA’s free Exercise and Cancer eBook for more advice from Accredited Exercise Physiologists on your journey to recovery.

FIND YOUR LOCAL EXERCISE PROFESSIONAL

Accredited Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified to tailor and prescribe an exercise program to suit your needs, ability, condition or goals.

An AEP can guide individualised, targeted exercise prescription to cancer patients through the application of evidence and clinical experience.

Find your closest AEP here.

Written by Alex Hardy. Alex is an ESSA Accredited Exercise Physioloigst and Accredited Exercise Scientist who works at the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) as a lecturer in Health and Science. Alex has studied broadly at a post-graduate level in Public Health, Positive Psychology and Health Psychology.