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YES! Exercise is safe during and after cancer treatment. You may not feel like exercising, but you will feel better if you move for a few minutes. Exercise as simple as walking will help you to have less fatigue, stay strong, and feel better physically and emotionally.

Some people who are more debilitated or bedridden will need to exercise with the assistance and supervision of a professional before transitioning to an independent or home-based program.

Exercise will make you feel better. It helps you to have fewer side effects and feel better faster after treatment. It even reduces the chances of cancer coming back (recurring) or developing a second cancer.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 3 days of aerobic exercise like walking and 2 days of resistance exercises like lifting weights or using bands to strengthen your muscles. The Cancer Exercise app is based on these recommendations and will give you an exercise program tailored to your abilities. Simply going for a walk can be beneficial.

During treatment, try to exercise at least 90 minutes 3 days a week plus 2 days of resistance exercise. After treatment, work up to at least 150-300 minutes per week plus 2 days of resistance exercise.

The best exercise is the one you will do and keep doing. If you enjoy walking, do it! If you prefer dancing, make that your activity. Be sure to make time for resistance exercise, too. The Cancer Exercise app will show you simple ways to work resistance exercise into your routine.

Exercise and physical activity can reduce fatigue and improve strength, functional ability, anxiety, depression, quality of life, lymphedema, and bone health.