exercise and breast cancer treatment: what to know

If you’re undergoing or recovering from breast cancer treatment, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. But whether you loved or loathed hitting the gym before treatment, exercising can improve your current and future health, both physical and mental.

can I exercise during treatment?

First of all: Ask your doctor. Exercise during breast cancer treatment is generally safe, and even recommended. Your doctor can help you determine what type and level of exercise would benefit you most.

If you didn’t exercise before your diagnosis, it’s important to start slow and build up strength and endurance in order to avoid injury.

If you followed an exercise routine before your diagnosis, listen to your body. It may help you feel better, both physically and mentally, to stick to that routine to the extent that you are able. However, it’s okay to pay attention to your fatigue and take things easy—your body is working hard on your recovery. When in doubt, don’t overdo it.

After a mastectomy, check with your surgeon about exercise. In general, avoid overhead lifting and strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks after reconstruction.

When you exercise, keep these precautions in mind:

• If you’re going through chemotherapy or radiation, your immune system may be weakened. You may want to avoid public gyms and swimming pools where illness can spread easily.
• If you have neuropathy (numbness or pain in your hands and feet), exercise with a buddy to avoid falling or hurting yourself.
• If your chemotherapy is treating cancer that has spread to the bone, you may have to lower the intensity of your workout, since your risk of breaking a bone is higher.
• In general, check with your doctor about how your specific treatment regimen may affect your ability to exercise.

benefits of exercise during treatment and recovery

Exercising during and after treatment may help improve a variety of treatment-related side effects, including fatigue. In some studies, exercise has also been associated with better survival rates for certain cancers, including breast cancer.

If you’re a breast cancer survivor, exercise may help reduce long-term side effects of cancer treatment, including fatigue, cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, peripheral neuropathy, lymphedema and more.

Research suggests that yoga can improve quality of life, as well as reduce fatigue and sleep problems, in cancer patients. Other types of exercise shown to improve quality of life for breast cancer patients and survivors include water exercises, Pilates, strength training and aerobic exercise (also known as cardio, which includes walking, swimming, running and cycling). In short: You can benefit from any type of exercise that you enjoy and that your doctor says is safe for you.

how do I start?

How about going for a walk? If you’re new to exercise or are recovering your stamina and strength, walking is a low-impact option to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Try incorporating a walk around the block into your daily routine.

Consider finding a personal trainer with experience working with breast cancer patients. A certified personal trainer can work with you one-on-one to develop a safe and effective exercise routine.

Your local YMCA may have a LIVESTRONG program. These programs, designed specifically for cancer patients and survivors, can be tailored to your treatment journey while connecting you to others undergoing cancer treatment.

In general, a thorough exercise plan should include breathing exercises, stretching, balance exercise, cardio and strength training to the extent you are able. Your body will reap the benefits throughout your recovery, and maybe you’ll even discover a new lifelong fitness activity that you enjoy.

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