Exercise: A Powerful Therapy

in Cancer Care

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For people living with cancer, exercise is not just about maintaining fitness. It is one of the most powerful tools to support the body and mind through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Unlike many medical treatments, exercise works holistically, strengthening physical health, protecting mental wellbeing, and improving quality of life at every stage of the cancer journey.

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During treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy):
Exercise helps combat treatment-related fatigue, the most common and debilitating side effect reported by patients. It supports immune function and reduces inflammation, aiding recovery between treatment cycles. It also preserves muscle mass, strength, and bone density while improving mood, reducing anxiety, and enhancing sleep quality.

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Beyond treatment:
Exercise reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in certain cancers by up to 40–50 percent. It improves long-term survival and lowers cancer-related mortality while restoring confidence, independence, and overall quality of life.

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Why expert guidance matters:
Exercising during or after cancer treatment requires a careful, research-based approach. Side effects like fatigue, low immunity, nausea, or neuropathy mean that not every type or dose of exercise is safe. Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are trained to prescribe programs that match your treatment stage, energy levels, and health needs—helping you exercise safely and effectively without adding stress to the body.

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The bottom line: Exercise is now recognised as a standard part of cancer care, with global oncology guidelines recommending it alongside medical treatment. When delivered in the right way, exercise becomes more than just movement. It becomes medicine that empowers the body to fight, recover, and thrive.