The Role of Exercise During Chemotherapy and Radiation
Recommendations, safety and myth busting
Cancer treatment is tough on the body. Chemotherapy and Radiation can lead to side effects such as fatigue, muscle loss, weight changes, balance issues and even cognitive/emotional challenges.
I have good news for you. Exercise is shown to help reduce many of these side effects.
Let me cut to the chase. The NCCN Guidelines (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) recommend that cancer patients engage in regular physical activity to improve quality of life, manage treatment side effects and enhance overall well being.
In 2019, a consensus article was released that had participating organizations such as American College of Sports Medicine, Exercise and Sports Australia, American Physical Therapy Association, American Cancer Society, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Cancer Institute … just to name a few.
This article concluded that “exercise is generally safe for cancer survivors” and exercise supervised by a medical professional during cancer treatments, is beneficial at combating cancer treatment side effects.
Fast forward to 2025. We had a breakthrough study that found a “3 year structured exercise program initiated soon after chemotherapy for colon cancer resulted in significantly longer disease free survival and findings consistent with longer overall survival” (Courneya, K. S., et al).
With the overwhelming evidence that exercise not only helps decrease side effects but also can support longer disease free survival, why is this not discussed by oncologists? Why are we not implementing the professional help from physical therapists more to work on guided exercise or exercise prescriptions?
Well we are here to help at Victory Therapy and Wellness. If you are scratching your head (during any phase of your cancer journey) and wondering why your oncology team didn't talk to you more about exercise, don’t worry. We have your back!
If you are medically cleared to exercise freely, the current guidelines recommended by the ACSM is to aim for 15-300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise each week. This needs to include strength training at least 2 days per week. It is highly recommended to avoid inactivity during and after treatment.
If you are in cancer treatment at the moment or have significant side effects, please come see us at Victory Therapy and Wellness so we can tailor a specific and safe program according to your needs. In addition, if you need help building a program, understanding intensity of exercise or need specific exercises according to mobility deficits, we are here to help!