Staying Active Safely

Whether you’re already active or looking to do a bit more, it’s important to be active in a way that feels safe for you. Your body may respond differently during cancer treatment, especially with more vigorous exercise, so listening to your body and adjusting when needed is key. Remember that it’s important to start slow, you don’t want to accidentally overdo things by doing too much too soon.

Please follow any safety advice from your cancer team or GP. This is especially important if you’ve had surgery, radiotherapy, or if you have a chemo port or central line, as some activities may need to be adapted.

Tips for safe exercise:

• Before starting any exercise, take time to warm up and cool down afterwards by stretching. This will prepare your body for exercise and greatly reduce your risk of injury.
• Start slowly and build up gradually.

• Don’t exercise if you feel unwell or notice any symptoms that worry you.
• If you have bone problems, avoid uneven surfaces and activities that increase your risk of falling. Try to avoid high‑impact exercise like running.
• Wear comfortable trainers or walking shoes.
• Drinking enough is really important. To keep yourself in tip-top condition, make sure you always have a water bottle with you and drink little and often whilst training, as well as before and after.
• Protect your skin in the sun.
• Make sure to have a healthy snack before and after, such as a banana.
• Don’t forget to rest in between your exercise , taking on too much can do you more harm than good. Professional athletes take rest days once or twice a week for physical and psychological recovery.
• Feeling a little sore or tired for a day or two is normal. If you feel very sore or extremely tired, try doing a bit less next time.

Stop exercising straight away if you experience:

• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• A racing heart
• Breathing problems
• Feeling sick
• Unusual back or bone pain
• Unusual muscle pain
• A headache that doesn’t go away

Speak to a doctor immediately if you notice any of these, or anything else that feels unusual.

Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation: Exercise and activity | North Bristol NHS Trust

Active Together - Yorkshire Cancer Research

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