Physical activity
Exercising can help your recovery after surgery and other cancer treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It can also give you a sense of purpose and improve your fitness and wellbeing.
Other benefits of keeping active include:
- reducing anxiety and depression
- strengthening your muscles, joints and bones
- reducing the risk of other health problems, such as heart problems and type 2 diabetes
The side effects of your cancer or treatment might affect how much you can do. If you were very active before you were diagnosed with cancer, you may have to build your fitness back up slowly. Feeling tired during or after your treatment is common. If you’re feeling very tired, don’t push yourself to exercise. It’s also important to rest and let your body recover.
When reintroducing exercise, it’s best to start gently. When you’re ready gradually build up the amount of activity you do each day.
You might begin with a walk around the house and then move on to a short walk outside.
As you get your strength and energy back, you'll be able to do more. You should try to build up to 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as fast walking, at least five days a week.
It’s important to check with your healthcare team or physiotherapist before starting any type of vigorous physical activity.
A fitness monitor or phone app that counts your steps can be helpful for setting daily step count targets, which you can gradually increase as your fitness improves.
Your GP and healthcare team can tell you about local exercise referral schemes. Some sports centres offer free or discounted exercise sessions for people recovering from cancer.
More information
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy provides a list of physiotherapists
- Macmillan Cancer Support has information on keeping active
Updated: April 2026
Next review: April 2029
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