Exercise can have both positive and negative effects in cancer patients. The aim of any exercise intervention is to preserve the positive relationship between exercise and cancer. Treatment related symptoms need to be taken into account at all times to maintain this positive relationship. Patients need to be keenly aware of the special considerations that pertain to health during and after cancer treatment.

Type or Mode of Exercise: To help with total body fatigue exercise should involve large muscle groups. Patients should also exercise the muscle groups affected by the cancer treatment. Large muscle group work can include walking, cycling, and swimming (if there is no risk of infection). The mode of exercise will vary among patients.

Frequency: The exercise prescription should be three days per week, but the frequency will differ amongst patients. The frequency will also depend on setbacks or complications during treatment.

Exercise Intensity: Exercise intensity can influence the immune system and it appears that moderate exercise has a positive effect on the immune system where as being sedentary and or exercising intensely has a negative effect. Therefore exercise intensity should be moderate, which ranges from 30-70% of heart rate maximum. Heart rate maximum can be determined by the formula 220-Age. Intensity depends on the goals, age, capabilities and health and fitness levels of the patient. It is better to start out at a light to easy intensity and build up as fitness improves.

Duration: Duration depends on the health and treatment status of the patient. Continuous or intermittent exercise can both be beneficial. Intermittent exercise is good for patients with poor aerobic capacity. It might be easier to break down activity to smaller sessions throughout the day as opposed to one extended session.

Progression: Progression is slow and gradual. Progress should follow the progressive overload principle, where frequency, intensity and duration are increased gradually overtime.

Please read these sections for more information on exercise:

• Exercise Main Page
• Further Considerations
• Managing Fatigue with Exercise
• Finding an Exercise Physiologist