🏃♀️ Keep Moving: A Simple Guide to Staying Active with Cancer
Staying physically active during cancer treatment may feel challenging — but movement can be one of your strongest tools for support and recovery. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, or beyond, staying active in the ways that work for your body can improve overall well-being, reduce treatment side effects, and help you feel more in control.
💡 Why Movement Matters
Even gentle movement can:
- Boost mood and reduce anxiety
- Improve energy and reduce fatigue
- Support balance and flexibility
- Help maintain strength and bone health
- Reduce risk of blood clots and other complications
- Improve sleep and digestion
💬 Movement is not all-or-nothing — small steps still help.
What Kind of Activity is Safe?
The right movement for you depends on your personal health, energy levels, and care plan. Safe options can include:
- Short walks (indoors or outdoors)
- Light stretching or chair yoga
- Guided balance or breathing exercises
- Low-impact activities like tai chi or water exercise
- Simple home-based strength exercises (like seated leg lifts or wall push-ups)
⚠️ Always listen to your body and move at your own pace. Take breaks if needed. Always consult with your care team before starting any new exercise.
Tips for Safe and Comfortable Movement
- ✔️ Check with your care team first before starting any new exercise
- ✔️ Start small — even 5–10 minutes counts
- ✔️ Wear supportive shoes and clothing
- ✔️ Stay hydrated and nourished
- ✔️ Ask your healthcare provider if you should avoid crowded gyms or public spaces if you’re immunocompromised
- ✔️ Stop if you feel dizzy, overly short of breath, or in pain
- Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.
- ✔️ Be kind to your body — it’s doing amazing things
How to Start (Even If You’re Tired)
- Break movement into small chunks throughout the day
- Move during times you feel most energized (e.g., mornings)
- Try activities that bring joy: dancing to your favorite music, gardening, stretching in the sun
- Use technology: follow online videos tailored to patients with cancer
- Rest when needed — movement and rest work together
Set Realistic Goals
- Example: "I’ll walk around the house 3 times today"
- Build up as you feel stronger
- Celebrate small wins — they add up over time!
Emotional Benefits of Moving
Physical activity can also:
- Lift mood
- Increase confidence
- Ease stress or worry
- Help you feel more like “you” again
🎧 Try pairing light activity with music or a podcast for extra motivation.
Key Takeaways
- Staying active supports mental and physical health during cancer care
- There’s no right way to move — find what feels good and manageable
- Start small, be consistent, and communicate with your care team
- Rest is part of the process — your body is working hard, and balance is key
💬 “Movement is medicine — but it doesn’t have to be intense to make a difference.”