Physical activity
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Being physically active before, during and after cancer treatment can make a big difference to your physical and mental wellbeing. It can also and help you to manage some of the side effects of cancer and its treatments.
What does being active mean?
You don’t need to join a gym to be active. Everyday activities like walking, gardening or dancing all count. The goal is simply to move more.
For more information about the benefits of physical for people living with and beyond cancer, you can visit:
Is it safe to be active?
For most people, it is safe to be active at all stages of a cancer diagnosis. If you have additional health conditions, or need help or advice to understand if it is safe for you to be active, please contact your GP or your healthcare team.
This page will help you find ways to get active and shares resources to help you find options that you can enjoy.
Where should I start?
Do not expect your body to be able to start with the same level of activity that you did before your diagnosis and treatment. Start gently and build up gradually, particularly if you are new to physical activity.
Start with sitting less and moving more. For example, try to regularly stand up during the day and add small activities into your daily routine.
The South East Cancer Alliance have developed physical activity and cancer resources, they are available on their website
Physical Activity & Exercise :: South East London Cancer Alliance
This information includes an online module Being active on your treatment plan – Being active when you’re living with cancer to advise you on what activity is recommended according to the treatment you are having. This is a helpful place to start to guide you on the level of activity to do.
How hard should I work when I am being active?
To achieve the health benefits described in the research, it is recommended that you work at a moderate intensity level. This means:
- your heart rate goes up
- your breathing feels a little harder and faster
- you are able to talk, but not sing
Signs you are at the right level:
- You feel warmer
- You feel a little sweaty
- Your breathing is a bit harder and faster – but you are still able to talk
- You can feel your heart beating a bit faster
Reduce intensity (don’t work as hard) if:
- You’re too breathless to talk
- You feel excessively exhausted
- You feel uncomfortably hot
- Your heart feels like it is racing fast
Stop exercising if you feel:
- Pain – don’t push through pain. Stop and rest
- Dizziness or nausea
STOP – contact your GP or call 111 if you feel:
- Chest pain
- Significant pain in your body
- Severe breathlessness (struggling to get your breath back)
Resources to help you to start to be active
The Cancer Care Map and Macmillan’s In Your Area are both examples of online directories that aim to link people to sources of support for self-management and peer support. You can use these directories to help you to find cancer physical activity services near you.
Tip: If you struggle with you walking or balance, you could search for ‘seated exercise classes’ and resources to help you gain strength in a more supported position
www.macmillan.org/cancer-information-and-support/in-your-area?pcode=
We have developed some physical activity guides that might give you some ideas for how to get started. Please note that some of the activities might not be suited to you, according to your individual health condition.
St George’s hospital is not responsible for injuries that may arise from participation in any of these activities. Your safety and wellbeing is important to us, please progress gradually and stop if you experience pain.
Being active before surgery or cancer treatment
Being active when you have colorectal cancer
Physical activity guides
St George’s SACT prehabilitation. Looking after yourself: Being physically active
There are many online resources you can use, including aerobic, balance and strength exercises These resources are created by ‘We Are Undefeatable’, who are a community that helps people with a range of health conditions to find ways to be active. Each video demonstrates the exercises in standing, assisted standing, and sitting positions so you can choose the version that feels most comfortable for you.
Be More Active Whilst Living With A Health Condition
They have information specifically for people living with and beyond cancer.
Swim England’s Poolfinder tool
Further information on physical activity can be found on the Macmillan website:
Easy Read information