Exercise is reshaping cancer care as mounting evidence shows active patients experience better treatment outcomes and quality of life, with some studies suggesting physical activity may even reduce cancer recurrence rates.

At a Glance

• Exercise is safe and beneficial for cancer patients at all stages—before, during, and after treatment
• Physical activity improves treatment side effects including fatigue, anxiety and depression
• American Cancer Society recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate activity weekly, combined with strength training
• Regular exercise may reduce cancer recurrence risk and improve survival rates
• Healthcare providers are increasingly encouraged to prescribe tailored exercise as standard cancer care

From Rest Recommendation to Exercise Prescription

The approach to physical activity during cancer treatment has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades. Historically, patients were advised to rest and limit physical exertion. This conventional wisdom began shifting in the 1990s as research emerged showing significant benefits from maintaining activity during treatment. Today, leading cancer organizations not only permit exercise during treatment but actively encourage it as a vital component of comprehensive cancer care.

In 2019, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) released updated guidance on exercise’s role in cancer prevention and survivorship, while the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has issued evidence-based exercise guidelines specifically for adults undergoing active treatment. These developments represent a fundamental shift in how the medical community views physical activity in relation to cancer care.

Benefits Throughout the Cancer Journey

Exercise offers distinct advantages at each phase of cancer treatment. Before treatment begins, physical activity helps prepare the body for upcoming challenges. During treatment, maintaining even modest activity levels helps preserve muscle mass, cardiovascular function, and mental wellbeing. After treatment concludes, gradually increasing exercise intensity supports recovery and rebuilding physical capacity that may have diminished during therapy.

The benefits extend beyond symptom management. Emerging research suggests exercise may enhance treatment effectiveness through multiple mechanisms. Physical activity can reduce inflammation, regulate insulin levels, stimulate blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), and bolster immune function—potentially making chemotherapy and immunotherapy more effective against cancer cells.

Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Patients

The American Cancer Society recommends cancer survivors avoid inactivity entirely and gradually increase physical activity as tolerated. The specific guideline advises 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, combined with resistance training exercises at least twice weekly. These targets mirror general adult exercise recommendations but acknowledge the need for individualization based on cancer type, treatment effects, and overall health status.

For those uncertain about beginning an exercise program, experts recommend starting with simple activities like walking, gardening, or dancing—any movement that uses muscles and requires more energy than resting. Importantly, patients should consult healthcare providers before beginning any exercise program, especially those with existing health complications or physical limitations from their cancer or treatment.

The Future of Exercise in Cancer Care

The ACSM’s “Moving Through Cancer” initiative aims to make exercise standard practice in cancer care by 2029. This ambitious goal involves better educating healthcare providers about exercise benefits, developing referral systems connecting patients with qualified exercise professionals, and expanding specialized training for fitness experts who work with cancer patients. With approximately 18 million cancer survivors in the U.S. today—projected to reach 20.3 million by 2026—the potential impact is substantial.

The integration of exercise into cancer care represents a paradigm shift toward more holistic treatment approaches. By addressing physical function alongside medical interventions, healthcare providers can help patients maintain independence, improve quality of life, and potentially enhance treatment effectiveness. For the millions navigating cancer diagnosis and recovery, physical activity offers a powerful tool for reclaiming control and well-being during a challenging journey.