Before taking part in any exercise program, either during or after treatment, it is important to talk to your oncologist or general practitioner (GP) about any precautions you should take.
While Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Adults may feel overwhelming, aim to be as physically active as your abilities allow and adapt your exercise program to suit your type and stage of cancer. Some days may be harder than others, but even a few minutes of light exercise is better than no exercise at all.
Learn more about:
- Exercise equipment
- Seeing an exercise professional
- Choosing an exercise program
- Planning an exercise session
- The different muscle groups
Exercise equipment
You don’t need expensive equipment or special clothing to exercise, but suitable shoes are essential. Visit a reputable shoe shop for suggestions. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, such as shorts and a T-shirt, when exercising. Other equipment, such as activity monitors, weights, heart rate monitors and home-gym systems, can be useful but are not necessary.
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Prue Cormie, Chair, COSA Exercise and Cancer Group, and Principal Research Fellow – Exercise Oncology, Australian Catholic University, NSW; Rebecca Cesnik, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, ACT; Dr Nicolas Hart, Senior Research Fellow, Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, and Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Cancer Council WA; Stephanie Lamb, Life Now Project Officer, Cancer Council WA; John Odd, Consumer; Sharni Quinn, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Chris Sibthorpe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland; Jane Turner, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Life after cancer treatment
Programs and support for people who have finished treatment
ENRICH – a free healthy lifestyle program
A face-to-face exercise and nutrition program for cancer survivors
Cancer information
Nutrition and cancer
How to eat well during and after cancer treatment
Staying healthy after treatment
Lifestyle changes that can help keep you in good health
View our publications
Guides and fact sheets for people with cancer, their families and friends