Can I continue playing sports during Breast Cancer treatment

Exercise and Sports During Breast Cancer Treatment

Yes, you can absolutely continue playing sports during breast cancer treatment—and research shows it's actually beneficial for you. Let me explain what the evidence shows and how to approach this safely.

What the Research Shows

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), exercise during active cancer treatment is not only safe but strongly recommended. In fact, ASCO guidelines specifically state that "medical oncologists should refer patients receiving chemotherapy to exercise programming to address common symptoms and side effects."

The evidence is particularly strong for breast cancer patients. Research shows exercise can help with:

• Cancer-related fatigue (the #1 non-pharmacologic treatment for this side effect)
• Sleep quality and insomnia
• Anxiety and depression
• Body composition (maintaining muscle mass)
• Physical function and strength
• Breast cancer-related lymphedema (swelling in the arm)
• Overall quality of life

Recommended Exercise Guidelines During Treatment

According to ACSM guidelines, aim for:

• 90 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (this could include sports like tennis, running, cycling, or recreational games)
• Resistance training 2 times per week (strength training)

"Moderate intensity" means you're breathing harder and can talk but not sing during the activity.

How to Personalize Your Sports Activity

Here's the important part: one size does NOT fit all. Your exercise prescription should match YOUR specific situation:

If you're experiencing fatigue:

• Start with lighter activity and gradually build up
• Even small amounts of movement are valuable—going from doing nothing to doing something provides the biggest benefit
• You might do less intense sports on treatment days and ramp up on better days

If you're on hormone therapy:

• You may experience muscle loss, so prioritize resistance training 2-3 times per week
• Ensure adequate protein intake (about 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight daily)

If you have bone metastases (cancer spread to bones):

• Avoid excessive loading of affected areas
• Work with your care team to modify your sport safely
• You can still exercise—just with adjustments

If you're dealing with lymphedema:

• Exercise is actually beneficial for managing it
• Your physical therapist can guide safe modifications

Important Practical Considerations

Energy management matters. Some patients find that the energy cost of exercise during treatment is significant—you might feel exhausted for the rest of the day. This is normal. The key is:

• Do whatever minimal movement is possible
• Gradually increase as your energy improves
• Listen to your body and adjust intensity based on how you're feeling that day

Periodize your training. Research shows that varying intensity throughout the week and around treatment cycles helps:

• Intensify exercise leading up to chemotherapy
• Drop intensity during infusion days
• Build back up during recovery

Questions to Ask Your Oncology Team

Before continuing or starting sports, discuss:

1. "Are there any specific sports or movements I should avoid given my treatment plan?"
2. "What intensity level is appropriate for me right now?"
3. "Should I modify my activity on treatment days versus off-treatment days?"
4. "Are there any side effects I should watch for that would mean I need to stop?"
5. "Would it help to work with an exercise physiologist or oncology physical therapist?"

The Bottom Line

Exercise during breast cancer treatment is evidence-based medicine. The American Cancer Society, ASCO, and ACSM all recommend it. Sports and physical activity can help you:

• Tolerate treatment better
• Manage side effects
• Maintain strength and function
• Improve your quality of life during a challenging time

The key is personalizing your approach to YOUR energy level, treatment schedule, and any specific side effects you're experiencing. Your care team can help you find the right balance.

---

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions about your specific exercise plan during treatment.