Yes; for most patients, exercise during treatment is safe and helpful, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that doctors suggest regular aerobic and strength exercise during treatment [1]. Exercise improves heart and lung fitness, muscle strength and cancer-related tiredness [1, 2]. The programme should suit each person; people whose cancer has spread to the bones, who have had recent lung or abdominal surgery, or who have heart or lung disease should talk to their doctor before starting [3].
Key points
- In a review of 113 studies, exercise and psychological support reduced cancer-related tiredness, but medicines had no clear effect [2].
- In a large study, a regular 3-year exercise programme after chemotherapy for bowel cancer lowered the chance of the cancer coming back [4].
- Exercise before lung cancer surgery shortened the hospital stay and reduced complications after the operation [1].
How does exercise help during treatment?
A review of dozens of studies showed that exercise during cancer treatment (mostly in breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancer) improves patients' heart and lung fitness, strength, tiredness and general well-being [1]. International experts also concluded that exercise, both during and after treatment, is safe for most people and improves anxiety, depression, tiredness, physical function and quality of life [3]. By comparison, exercise reduced tiredness but medicines had no clear effect [2].
| Type of exercise | Amount | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic | Moderate intensity, at least 3 times a week, at least 30 minutes each time | For at least 8 to 12 weeks |
| Resistance | At least twice a week; at least 2 sets of 8 to 15 repetitions | With a weight that tires you after a few lifts; combined with aerobic exercise it gives similar benefits |
| General principle | Avoid inactivity | Testing and the exercise programme are adjusted to your health and the side effects of treatment |
Who should talk to a doctor before starting?
| Patient's situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| No other conditions | No further medical assessment is needed; follow the general exercise advice |
| Peripheral neuropathy, arthritis or musculoskeletal problems, osteoporosis or low bone density, lymphoedema | Medical assessment before exercise, an adjusted programme and, if needed, referral to a trained specialist |
| Lung or abdominal surgery, a stoma, heart or lung disease, poor balance, severe tiredness, severe malnutrition, worsening physical condition, bone metastases | Medical assessment and approval before exercise, and referral to a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist |
Exercise after treatment and the risk of recurrence
A large study of 889 bowel cancer patients who had finished chemotherapy showed that a regular 3-year exercise programme (with a coach) was better than just giving a leaflet: the cancer came back less often and more patients stayed alive. Mild muscle injuries were slightly more common in the exercise group [4]. Following this, the European Society for Medical Oncology has recommended regular exercise programmes for these patients [6].
Arm swelling (lymphoedema) after breast cancer: weight training for the large muscles, 2 to 3 times a week following the principle "start low, go slow" and supervised by a specialist, is safe; aerobic exercise also appears to be safe [3].
When should I call my doctor?
If during treatment you have a temperature of 38 °C or higher, chills or other signs of infection, contact your treatment team; infection during cancer treatment can be life-threatening and needs urgent attention [5]. Talk to your doctor before continuing to exercise. If your physical condition has worsened or you have bone metastases, continue exercising only after your doctor approves [3].
Related questions
Can exercise replace treatment?
No. In the bowel cancer study, exercise started after chemotherapy had finished and was in addition to standard treatment, not instead of it [4].
If I have arm swelling (lymphoedema), is weight training forbidden?
Not necessarily. Weight training that is increased gradually under a specialist's supervision has been safe in arm swelling after breast cancer; but there is not enough evidence about starting without supervision [3].
Do I need a special diet during treatment?
The American Society of Clinical Oncology does not recommend a special diet to prevent infection, and the evidence for other special diets during treatment is very limited [1] (Nutrition during treatment).
Scientific evidence
Key studies in the evidence library
2 itemsStructured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer
ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline Express Update on the adoption of physical exercise in patients with localised colon cancer
Related cancer types
Related questions
References
6 referencesShow all references, 5 with a study cardClose the reference list
Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
- 6ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline Express Update on the adoption of physical exercise in patients with localised colon cancer
This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 28 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.
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