Exercise Oncology

What is Exercise Oncology?

There are four key aspects of oncology that exercise can be most beneficial for. These include:

1. Cancer Prevention
2. During Cancer Treatment
3. Post-Treatment (Survivorship)
4. Palliative Care and Advanced Care

 Cancer Prevention

Looking after your health and well-being is important, this includes reducing your sedentary activity and being active. Regular physical activity has been linked to lowering the risk of developing several types of cancers (e.g. Breast, Colon, Endometrial).

Exercise may help reduce factors that are involved in cancer development – reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and regulate hormones.

During Cancer Treatment

Exercise is increasingly recommended during chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy to help manage side effects and improve outcomes.

It can reduce fatigue, improve mood, and maintain muscle mass and cardiovascular health.

Post-operative results, hospital stays

Post-Treatment (Survivorship)

After treatment, exercise can support physical recovery, reduces the risk of reoccurrence in some cancers, and improves quality of life.

Survivors who exercise often experience better mental health, less long-term treatment-related fatigue and side effects (such as decreased bone density and muscle wasting).

Palliative and Advanced Care

In later stages, exercise can be adapted to help maintain function and independence, reduce pain, and support mental well-being.

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