Exercise and cancer

Exercise is safe, possible and helpful for many people with cancer or who have finished cancer treatment.

Becoming more active can help you feel stronger, more energised, and more confident in your body again.

This information is about being more active during treatment and beyond.

On this page:

• What is physical activity?

• Can you exercise with cancer and after cancer treatment?

• Why is being physically active important?

• How physical activity can help you cope better

• Other health benefits of physical activity

• When physical activity feels impossible 

• How much exercise should I do?

• When to avoid certain types of physical activity

• Getting started

We also have information on physical activity for people about to start treatment in our prehabilitation section.

Read more about how you can physically prepare for cancer treatment

Can you exercise with cancer or after cancer treatment?

‘It’s tough at first, but it makes you feel stronger and more human. As with “normal” life, exercise is important - don’t be limited by cancer.’ - Patrick

How active you are and what type of activity you can and want to do will depend on:

• the type of cancer you have

• your treatment and any side effects you have

• how physically active you are already

• what activities you enjoy

In general, if you have cancer, you should check with your doctor before starting any exercise.

Other health benefits of physical activity

Physical activity also:

• reduces the risk of getting type 2 diabetes or heart disease

• reduces falls

• improves joint and back pain

When physical activity feels impossible

It is not uncommon for people with cancer or who have finished treatment to struggle with:

• the effects of cancer on their mental health

• the side effects of treatment

For some people, these factors may be long-term, and they may be a barrier to being physically active. They include:

• anxiety and depression

• fatigue

• sleeping problems

• nerve changes (peripheral neuropathy)

• weakened bones

• changes to the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)

• loss of a limb (amputation)

• chronic swelling (lymphoedema) in a limb

Have you finished treatment?

We have information for people who have finished cancer treatment and are looking for information and support.

Find out more on our Life Beyond Cancer page