Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Exercise is very beneficial for people with cancer.
  • It can improve fatigue, mental wellbeing, physical function and quality of life.
  • All people being treated for, and recovering from, cancer are advised to avoid inactivity and exercise regularly – be as physically active as your current condition and abilities allow. 
  • To maximise the benefits of exercise, people with cancer should participate in an individually tailored exercise program involving moderate-high intensity aerobic exercise (such as walking) and resistance exercise (such as lifting weights).
  • Exercise is safe for people with cancer when it is appropriately prescribed and monitored.
  • Seeking the advice of an exercise physiologist with cancer experience is recommended so you can receive an individually tailored exercise prescription.
  • If it's been a while since you've been active, or your fitness level is low, start slowly and build up gradually.
  • Remember that even on the days when you don’t feel like being active, any level of exercise is better than none and even small amounts of activity can be beneficial.
  • Accredited exercise physiologists and physiotherapists are the most appropriate health professionals to prescribe and deliver exercise programs to people with cancer. Their services are eligible for subsidies through Medicare and private health insurers.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 29-08-2019