Exercise The Facts

Exercise: A type of physical activity consisting of planned, structured, and repetitive bodily movement for the purpose of improving and/ or maintaining health and physical fitness. 

The goal of exercise is to improve health and fitness by engaging in structured physical activity. 

Physical Activity: Any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscles that results in a substantial increase in caloric requirements over resting energy expenditure. 

Exercise, provided it is sufficiently intense and/or prolonged, is a powerful activator of the neuroendocrine system (i.e., a stressor).

Speak with your Oncologist 

Whether you need to make any changes to your activity level depends on your medication, surgery, or side effects. Discuss this with your doctor before you begin, since certain modifications may be necessary. If you are developing an activity program, you may want to seek advice from a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist. Keep in mind that activity should enhance your recovery, not hinder it. 

Ready, Set, Go! 

Set small goals and keep track of your progress as you slowly and safely add activity to your day. It can be something as simple as walking to the mailbox and back. In fact, walking the dog around the block is fine too. A person with cancer may need specific exercise adaptations based on their health status, and adverse effects associated with their disease. Exercise recommendations should be tailored to the individual’s abilities. 

When having treatment 

A gentle exercise session of 5-10 minutes every week or every other day. 

After having treatment 

• Start with a moderate exercise routine somewhere between 3-5 times a week, gradually working up to 20-30 minutes with time. 
• As part of current exercise routine: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise (5 sessions of 10 minutes each) 5 days a week, including strength training at least twice a week. 

Role of health professionals 

The health care professions’ role in promoting these recommendations is critical to the care of patients with cancer. (COSA)

A health professional who specialises in prescription and delivery of exercise should be referred to (for example, a certified exercise physiologist/physiotherapist who specializes in cancer treatment). 

• Advise their patients to follow the exercise guidelines 
• Discuss the role of exercise in cancer recovery 

Exercise environment 

Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19. See these recommendations for visiting parks and recreational facilities. 

If you have a compromised immune system due to several treatments (low white blood cell count) or a catheter/feeding tube, avoid: 

• Group classes 
• Public gyms 
• Public tennis courts, golf courses 
• Public pools 
• Busy, crowded environments 

Safety First 

• Don’t walk on uneven surfaces 
• Having foot numbness can make it difficult to keep your balance (a stationary recumbent bike is a safe option). 
• Use sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher, wear a hat, and wear clothing to protect your skin from the sun Do not exercise 
• If you are actively experiencing pain/nausea/vomiting 
• If you have a bone or joint problem that could be aggravated 
• If a doctor has asked you to avoid physical activity 
• If you have not been cleared for exercise following a surgery 
• If you have chest pain 
• If you are anaemic (low red blood cell count) 
• If you are dizzy, lightheaded 
• If you have reduced potassium or sodium in your blood due to vomiting and diarrhea.