Side effects that need extra care

Some side effects need extra care, and you may have to frequently adjust how hard and how long you exercise. Speak to your doctor, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist for help with this.

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Cancer affecting the bones If you have cancer in the bones (called bone metastases or bone mets), you might be more at risk of a break or fracture. Choose activities such as walking and swimming, rather than contact sports and activities such as running and jumping.
Low white cell count (neutropenia) Some cancers and treatments can weaken your immune system and cause your white blood cell count to drop. This can increase your risk of developing an infection, so it is important to limit physical contact with other people and clean any shared exercise equipment before use. When your immune system is not working well (immunocompromised), avoid public spaces such as gyms, swimming pools and training venues until your white blood cell count returns to a safe level.
Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) Platelets stop bleeding in the body by forming clots. When the platelet count drops, you are at increased risk of bruising or bleeding. It is best to avoid contact sports and high-impact activities, as these could cause bruising or bleeding if you get knocked or fall over.
Skin irritation Areas of skin affected by radiation therapy can be extremely sensitive and often uncomfortable. Choose activities and clothing to minimise fabric rubbing on affected areas. Chlorine can irritate the skin, so avoid pool-based exercise if you have a rash or your skin is reddened after radiation therapy.
Poor balance and coordination Surgery or cancer treatment may affect your balance or coordination. Problems with balance may cause you to feel dizzy and lead to a fall. Choose exercises that improve balance and muscle strength, and avoid types of exercise that involve balance and coordination, such as cycling outdoors or using a treadmill. Avoid lifting free weights without a training partner if you have problems with your balance.
Peripheral neuropathy Some chemotherapy drugs can damage the nerves causing feelings of pins and needles and numbness in the hands and feet. This is called peripheral neuropathy. If you cannot feel your feet, it may be difficult to maintain your balance and you may be more likely to fall. It’s safer to walk or run on even surfaces. If you have neuropathy in your hands, ask an exercise professional how you can lift free weights safely.

 

If you have osteoporosis, get advice on exercise from your doctor, nurse, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist.

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Exercise for People Living with Cancer

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Additional resources

This information was last reviewed in April 2019. View who reviewed this content.

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.

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