Exercise physiology during and after cancer treatment
Exercise is now recommended as part of cancer care. We help you stay stronger during treatment and rebuild afterwards, at a pace that matches how you feel.
How does cancer treatment affect your body?
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy can all take a toll on your body. Many people lose strength and fitness during treatment, feel exhausted for months afterwards, and find everyday tasks harder than before. These effects are common, and many of them can be improved with the right exercise.
What are the common side effects of cancer treatment?
The most common side effects of cancer treatment are:
- Tiredness that doesn't go away with rest
- Loss of muscle strength
- Getting breathless with everyday tasks
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Joint aches and stiffness
- Swelling in an arm or leg (lymphoedema)
- Low mood, worry or trouble sleeping
How does exercise help during and after cancer treatment?
Exercise helps during and after cancer treatment by reducing fatigue, keeping your muscles and heart strong, and easing many treatment side effects. It also improves mood, sleep and quality of life. For some cancers, being active is linked with a lower risk of the cancer coming back.
Exercise prescription during and after cancer treatment
The recommended exercise prescription during and after cancer treatment is 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week plus strength training on two to three days a week, adjusted to how you're feeling on the day.
150 minutes
of moderate aerobic exercise a week
2 to 3 days
of strength training a week
That weekly target is the same one recommended for every adult. During treatment, the first goal is to avoid becoming inactive. Any exercise is better than none. After treatment, the focus shifts to rebuilding strength and fitness.
Our focus
We plan every session around your treatment cycle and energy. On low days we go lighter rather than skip. We adapt for surgery sites, ports, lymphoedema, numbness in the feet and any bone involvement, and we stay in touch with your treating team.
When should you not exercise during cancer treatment?
You should not exercise during cancer treatment if you have a fever or feel unwell, if your treating team has advised against it, or if you have new pain, swelling or shortness of breath.
- A fever, or feeling unwell (contact your treating team)
- Your treating team has advised against it, for example when your blood counts are very low
- New or unusual bone pain
- New swelling, calf pain, chest pain or shortness of breath
- Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or dizziness
On hard days we scale back. Some days, a short walk is the right session.
Why see an exercise physiologist during and after cancer?
Australian cancer guidelines recommend referral to an accredited exercise physiologist or physiotherapist with experience in cancer care. Treatment changes how your body responds to exercise from week to week, and your program needs to change with it.
- 01
Assess
We look at your treatment, side effects, strength, fitness and goals.
- 02
Set and coach
We set the right intensity for where you are in treatment and coach you through it.
- 03
Progress
We rebuild your strength and fitness after treatment and re-test so you can see the change.
It is not always about doing more. It is about knowing when to push and when to pull back.
Ready to get started?
Cancer exercise programs in Wentworthville
Our cancer exercise programs run from our clinic at 92 Darcy Road, Wentworthville, and in homes across the Parramatta and Blacktown areas.
In the clinic
One-on-one sessions at 92 Darcy Road, Wentworthville.
At home
Useful during treatment, when energy is low or you need to avoid crowded places.
Working with your treating team
We keep your oncologist and GP updated on your progress.
You start with a one-on-one assessment. We re-test as you go, and can send progress reports to your GP or oncologist.
Is exercise physiology for cancer covered by Medicare?
Often, yes. A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan gives a Medicare rebate on up to five allied health visits a year, which can include exercise physiology.
Private health and DVA
Most private health funds pay a rebate, and DVA cardholders may be covered. Ask us and we'll check.
Support at Home
If you have aged care funding, exercise physiology can be part of your plan. We work with your provider.
Cancer and exercise: common questions
Book an exercise physiologist in Wentworthville
Not sure if this is right for you? Tell us what's going on and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help.