Overview
If you have cancer, you may think you need rest. But research shows that being active helps most people before, during and after treatment.
Many people with cancer lose fitness and strength, making everyday tasks harder. Exercise can improve fatigue and help you get back to daily activities.
Find helpful information below, or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
What's in this booklet
About exercise
Read about why physical activity is important and the different types you can try.
Why you need exercise after a cancer diagnosis
Understand why research shows that exercise benefits most people with cancer during and after treatment.
Getting started
Learn about how to start exercising and get tips on talking to your doctor about what exercise is safe for you to try.
Aerobic and cardio exercise
Understand more about aerobic and cardio activity. These exercises use large muscle groups, raise your heart and breathing rates, and can improve heart, lung and muscle fitness.
Strength and resistance training
Read about weight, strength and resistance activities. They are any moves that make your muscles work harder than usual against weights or another sort of resistance.
Flexibility exercises
Learn how yoga, Pilates and other flexibility activities can help to stretch your muscles.
Balance exercises
Learn about the different types of balance exercises, and how they can improve your stability and help to prevent falls.
Pelvic floor exercises
Understand how to improve your pelvic floor muscles. These stretch from the bottom of the pelvis and support the bowel and bladder, as well as the uterus in females.
Questions for your doctor and exercise professionals
It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about physical activity and cancer.
Support and information
These websites are good sources of support and information for exercising during and after cancer treatment.
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