Can I exercise during Breast Cancer treatment

Exercise During Breast Cancer Treatment: What the Evidence Shows

Yes, absolutely—and the evidence strongly supports it. Exercise during active breast cancer treatment is not only safe, but it's recommended by major medical organizations and can meaningfully improve your experience during treatment.

What the Major Guidelines Say

According to ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology), medical oncologists should refer patients receiving chemotherapy to exercise programming to address common symptoms and side effects. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and American Cancer Society have similarly endorsed exercise during active treatment.

Proven Benefits During Treatment

Research shows exercise can help with:

• Cancer-related fatigue (the #1 non-pharmacologic treatment for this side effect)
• Sleep quality improvements
• Anxiety and depression reduction
• Body composition management (particularly important for breast cancer, as some hormone therapies can cause weight gain)
• Physical function and strength maintenance
• Bone health (especially relevant if you're on hormone deprivation therapy)
• Breast cancer-related lymphedema management

Recommended Exercise Targets During Treatment

According to ACSM guidelines, during active treatment aim for:

• 90 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (like brisk walking)
• Resistance training twice weekly (strength/weight training)

The good news? Even small amounts of movement are beneficial. As the research emphasizes, the biggest benefit comes from going from doing nothing to doing something—so don't feel pressured to meet these targets perfectly.

Important Considerations for Your Situation

Personalization matters. Your exercise plan should account for:

• Your current fitness level
• Which specific treatment you're receiving (chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, etc.)
• Your energy levels and side effects
• Any complications like lymphedema or bone metastases
• Your overall health and any other medical conditions

For example, if you're experiencing significant fatigue from chemotherapy, your exercise might look different than someone early in treatment. Some days you might do gentle movement; other days you might do more intense activity.

Questions to Ask Your Oncology Team

To develop a personalized approach, consider asking:

1. "Is exercise safe for me given my specific treatment plan?" (Most will say yes, but confirm for your situation)
2. "Should I see a physical therapist or exercise specialist before starting?"
3. "Are there any specific movements or activities I should avoid?" (Important if you have bone involvement or lymphedema risk)
4. "How should I adjust my exercise on chemotherapy infusion days?"
5. "Can you refer me to an oncology exercise program or exercise physiologist?" (Only 15% of cancer patients are referred, but programs exist)

Finding Support

The Moving Through Cancer initiative has created a registry of oncology rehabilitation and exercise programs across the United States. You can visit movingthroughcancer.org to find programs in your area or access telehealth options.

The Bottom Line

Exercise during breast cancer treatment is evidence-based medicine. It's not just about "staying active"—it's a therapeutic intervention that can reduce side effects, help you tolerate treatment better, and improve your quality of life during this challenging time.

Start where you are, move at your own pace, and work with your care team to adjust as needed.

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.