When you hear the word cancer, exercise might be the last thing on your mind, but

science says it should be one of the first.

Exercise isn’t just safe during cancer treatment, it’s highly recommended. Whether you’re

going through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or recovering afterward, moving your body

can help reduce treatment side effects, improve your energy, and even support better

survival outcomes.

Why Move? The Benefits of Exercise in Cancer

More than ever, research shows that tailored, supervised exercise can:

• Reduce cancer-related fatigue
• Improve mental wellbeing
• Maintain strength and muscle mass
• Support better sleep and appetite
• Preserve bone health and prevent falls
• Improve chemotherapy tolerance and reduce complications

Is It Safe?

Yes. The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) released a strong position

statement in 2018 stating that:

“Exercise should be embedded as part of standard care in cancer treatment.”

– COSA Position Statement (2018)

This statement was supported by over 25 leading health organisations in Australia. Their

evidence shows that appropriately prescribed exercise, delivered by trained professionals

like Accredited Exercise Physiologists, is not only safe but essential.

A few Australian studies backing this up:

Cormie et al., 2017 (Australian study published in MJA) – Showed that resistance and

aerobic exercise during treatment improved quality of life, fatigue, and physical function.

COSA Position Statement (2018) – Reinforces that “exercise is a medicine” and outlines

how it reduces the impact of cancer side effects.

University of Queensland/Exercise Oncology Group – Demonstrated how exercise before,

during, and after treatment enhances outcomes across many cancer types.

What If I'm Too Tired?

That’s okay! Exercise doesn’t have to be intense. The key is finding what works for you on

that day. Some days it might be a short walk around the block. Other days, it might be

strength training or yoga. Every step counts.

What Kind of Exercise?

Depending on your diagnosis, stage of treatment, and how you're feeling, an Exercise

Physiologist will build a plan that might include:

• Gentle walking or cycling
• Strength training with light weights or bands
• Stretching
• Balance and coordination training
• Fatigue management planning

What If I Have Metastases, Lymphedema or Bone Loss?

Special precautions are taken if you have:

• Bone metastases – Avoid high-impact or specific loaded movements.
• Lymphedema – Exercise is safe and encouraged, with or without compression garments and gradual progression.
• Neuropathy or balance issues – Exercises can be adapted to be seated or supported.

Why Work With an Exercise Physiologist?

Exercise for people undergoing cancer treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. An Accredited

Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is university-qualified and trained in clinical exercise

prescription tailored to your medical condition, treatment stage, and side effects.

An AEP will:

• Assess your current fitness, symptoms, and limitations

• Prescribe safe, evidence-based exercises to support your recovery

• Modify your program if you have bone metastases, fatigue, neuropathy, or

lymphedema

• Work closely with your oncology team for integrated care

You’ll get a plan that’s achievable, motivating, and designed to help, not exhaust, you.

Some Is Better Than None

The most important message? Avoid inactivity.

Even small amounts of movement can:

• Improve your energy levels

• Support your mental health

• Prevent loss of muscle and function

Whether it’s a 5-minute walk or gentle stretching - every bit of movement counts.

Start where you are, and build up gradually with support.

How Do I Get Started?

Speak with your GP about a referral to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP), or

contact us directly. You may be eligible for Medicare or private health rebates.

You’re Not Alone

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’re years past treatment, there’s strong

evidence that exercise can help you feel better, function better, and live better. We're here

to help you move through it.

References

Cormie, P., et al. (2017). Exercise as a supportive care strategy in cancer: The evidence,

the barriers, and the way forward. MJA, 207(2), 75–76.

Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Position Statement on Exercise in Cancer

Care. (2018).

Hayes, S., Newton, R., et al. Exercise for health: A blueprint for action. Exercise Medicine

Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, WA.

University of Queensland Exercise Oncology Research Group. [uq.edu.au]