Exercise Oncology
Exercise Physiology for Oncology Care
Exercise oncology programs may help support strength, energy, and confidence during cancer treatment, recovery, and survivorship.
Living with cancer often affects muscle strength, stamina, balance, mood, and daily function. Fatigue and deconditioning are common. However, structured exercise oncology plans delivered by an accredited exercise physiologist can help you stay active safely and consistently.
Australian guidance recommends that clinicians discuss exercise, recommend it, and refer people with cancer to appropriately trained professionals as part of routine care. See the COSA Exercise in Cancer Care position statement.
Book Exercise Physiology for Cancer Care
If you are unsure where to begin, start with an assessment. Your exercise physiologist will tailor your exercise oncology program to your diagnosis, treatment stage, symptoms, and personal goals.
You can book via our Exercise Physiology service page. Telehealth options may also suit some people via TeleHealth.
What Is Exercise Oncology?
Exercise oncology refers to the therapeutic use of structured physical activity as part of cancer care. Programs may include aerobic exercise, progressive strength training, mobility work, and balance exercises. Many people use exercise oncology to maintain function through treatment and rebuild capacity afterwards.
Exercise oncology is not about pushing through exhaustion. Instead, it uses symptom-guided progression. On lower-energy days, sessions may be shorter or lighter. As capacity improves, load and volume gradually increase.
People also ask: Should I exercise during chemotherapy?
Many people can exercise during chemotherapy or radiotherapy when programs are appropriately modified. Adjustments may include reduced intensity, additional recovery days, and closer monitoring. Your exercise physiologist will consider fatigue levels, immune status, bone health, and medical guidance before progressing your plan.
Why Exercise Matters in Cancer Care
- Fatigue management: Exercise may help reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve daily function.
- Muscle preservation: Resistance training supports muscle mass and physical capacity during and after treatment.
- Mood and mental wellbeing: Regular activity may reduce anxiety and support improved sleep.
- Bone and joint support: Safe loading helps maintain bone density and joint health.
- Long-term health: Research suggests physical activity may be associated with improved outcomes in some cancer groups, although results vary.
How Exercise Physiology Supports Oncology Care
Your exercise physiologist builds a safe and progressive exercise oncology program based on your current health and treatment stage.
What your EP may include
- Baseline strength, mobility, balance, and endurance assessment
- Individualised strength and aerobic training plans
- Modifications around fatigue, pain, nausea, neuropathy, or weakness
- Progression matched to chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy cycles
- Guidance for returning to work, recreation, or community activities
Programs may run in-clinic, at home, in a gym environment, or via telehealth. If balance feels reduced, structured Balance Training may help rebuild confidence.
Who Exercise Oncology Is Suitable For
- Newly diagnosed individuals preparing for treatment
- People undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or hormone therapy
- Early recovery following hospital discharge
- Individuals managing long-term side effects such as fatigue or weakness
- Survivors wanting to improve fitness and long-term health
Is Exercise Safe During Cancer Treatment?
Yes. When prescribed and monitored by a qualified allied health professional, exercise oncology programs are considered safe and effective.
Your plan may be adjusted based on:
- Treatment phase and side effects
- Bone density and fracture risk
- Infection risk or immune status
- Pain, nausea, dizziness, or neuropathy
- Your goals and daily energy levels
Where appropriate, we can coordinate with your treating medical team so your exercise oncology program complements your broader care plan.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
- Health review: diagnosis, treatment timeline, medications, and symptoms
- Baseline checks: strength, balance, mobility, and walking tolerance
- Plan development: safe starting program with weekly progression goals
- Ongoing review: regular updates as treatment demands change
What to do next
If you are living with cancer and want safe guidance, book an exercise physiology assessment. Bring recent medical summaries if available. Together, we will set a realistic exercise oncology plan that works on both good and difficult weeks.
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References
- Wang T, Deng J, Li W, Zhang Q, Yan H, Liu Y. The effects of aerobic exercise in patients with cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2025;20(6):e0325100.
- Sikandari MH, Siddiqui A, Ahmad M, et al. Effect of exercise on fatigue and depression in women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2024;32(8):515.
- Wu T, Yan F, Wei Y, et al. Effect of exercise therapy on cancer-related fatigue. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2023;102(12):1055-1062.
- Watson GA, Coyne ZL, Houlihan E, Leonard GD. Exercise oncology in the cancer care continuum. Postgrad Med. 2022;134(1):26-36.
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