A large body of evidence — reflected in guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine and ASCO — shows that regular, tailored exercise during and after cancer treatment safely reduces fatigue, anxiety and depression, and improves physical function, strength and quality of life. General targets for many survivors are moderate aerobic activity (about 150 minutes/week) plus resistance training a couple of times a week, adjusted to the person’s condition. Observational studies also associate higher physical activity with lower recurrence and better survival in cancers such as breast and colorectal, though exercise is used as supportive care, not as a treatment for the tumor. “Prehabilitation” before surgery and rehabilitation afterward help people tolerate and recover from treatment.
Ideally guided by a physical therapist or cancer-exercise specialist and tailored to treatment, blood counts and any bone or cardiac issues — combining aerobic activity and resistance training, started gently and progressed. Programs are adapted around surgery, ports, neuropathy, lymphedema and fatigue.
Even modest activity helps; benefits accrue with consistency. Programs are adjusted on low-energy or low-count days. Exercise supports, and does not replace, cancer treatment.