Exercise and staying active

How moving your body, even a little, can help with fatigue, mood, and strength during and after treatment.

Rosa: Hi, I'm Rosa. Moving your body, even a little, can help with tiredness, mood and strength. Let's find small, safe ways to stay active.

Staying active is safe for most people with cancer and can help a lot. It can ease fatigue, lift mood, improve sleep, and help you keep strength during treatment.

Start where you are. On hard days, a short walk around the house counts. On better days, you may do more. Slowly build up over weeks.

Over time, many experts suggest about 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, like brisk walking. They also suggest light strength work twice a week. Any amount is better than none.

Check with your care team before starting. Ask about extra care if you have low blood counts, a fever, or bone problems from cancer. The same goes for numb feet or a port or drain.

Ask if a physical therapist or cancer rehabilitation program is available. They can build a safe plan just for you.

What to expect: Some days you may feel tired, sore, or out of breath sooner than you used to. This is common during treatment. Try the talk test. You should be able to talk while you move. If you cannot say a few words in a row, slow down. Rest when you need to. Rest is part of healing. Pick a time of day when you usually feel best. Many people find short bursts of movement easier, like five or ten minutes a few times a day.

Make it easy to start: Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothes. Keep water nearby. Walk with a friend, a family member, or a pet. Gentle stretching, easy yoga, a stationary bike, or even a slow dance in your kitchen all count. Pick something you enjoy so you will want to do it again. Write down what you did and how you felt. Share your notes with your care team. If you feel sharp pain, dizziness, or chest pain, stop and rest.

Who can help: You do not have to do this alone. A nurse can tell you what is okay on treatment days. A physical therapist can show you safe moves. A dietitian can help you eat enough to fuel your activity. A social worker can help with rides, program costs, or finding a support group. A palliative care team can help with pain, tiredness, and other symptoms that make moving hard. Many cancer centers and community groups offer classes for people with cancer. Ask your care team what is nearby.

When to call your care team: Call if you have a fever, new swelling, a fall, bleeding, or pain that gets worse or does not go away. Call if you feel dizzy or faint, or if the skin around your port or drain looks red or leaks. Call 911 for chest pain or trouble breathing that does not stop. Also tell your team if you feel too tired to move for several days, or if you feel sad or hopeless. Your team wants to hear from you. Asking for help is a strong and smart step.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.