Physical activity after cancer treatment: what does the evidence say?

In 2016 the Norwegian Institute of Public Health summarised five systematic reviews with a total of 119 randomised trials. After treatment has ended, exercise probably gives less fatigue and possibly better quality of life. Self-reported physical function improved somewhat, and anxiety was lower [1]. NHI reports the same findings, and the studies mostly concerned prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer [2].

In blood cancer, exercise probably gives less fatigue and better physical function [1]. In women operated on for breast cancer, strength training does not appear to affect the severity of lymphoedema [1][2].

The evidence is consistently of low or very low quality, partly because the studies are small and have methodological weaknesses. The results must therefore be interpreted with caution [1]. During active cancer treatment it is uncertain whether exercise has an effect on quality of life, fatigue and physical function [1].

Knowledge is lacking on how exercise affects survival, recurrence and serious adverse events. It is also unclear which type, intensity and duration is best, or how exercise is best combined with treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy [1][2]. The review concerns associations in the studies, and not cause and effect for the individual [2].

In an NHI article with a specialist physiotherapist at Radiumhospitalet, the general advice of 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, plus strength training twice a week, is referred to. Older people should also do balance training. The advice still applies with cancer, but can be more demanding to follow [3].

The physiotherapist emphasises that small measures count and that several short sessions are often better than one long one. The session is adapted to how you feel on the day. After a session you should be able to do everyday tasks, and the aim is to have recovered within a day [3]. During treatment the aim is often to slow the loss of fitness, not to build fitness [3].

After surgery, restrictions and risks may apply. In some cases during treatment a high heart rate is not recommended, and high intensity combined with the breaking-down effect of the treatment may be less favourable [3].

Some soreness after exercise is common, but soreness lasting five days is regarded as too much. Being tired the day after a session is not necessarily the same as fatigue [3].

Earlier problems in muscles and joints can return during a cancer course. The physiotherapist in the NHI article believes this rarely is due to spread of the disease, and that the problems often settle after treatment. If you are unsure, you should contact your treatment team [3].

Pusterommet at Radiumhospitalet recommends starting as early as possible in the course, and the patient must have a referral from a doctor [3]. If you have questions about what suits you, you can raise them with those who follow you up.

Dr.Dropin is a supplement to the follow-up you receive in the health service. A physiotherapist can go through the activity you have done and the muscle and joint problems you have, and together with you make a plan that takes your day-to-day form into account. You can read more about physiotherapy and about personal training.

Can you exercise after cancer treatment?

Physical activity after cancer treatment may have positive effects on fatigue, physical function and quality of life, but the evidence is of low quality. The dose and type are adapted to the individual in consultation with the treatment team [1][3].

How much should you exercise during and after cancer treatment?

The general advice is 150 minutes of moderate activity a week and strength training twice a week. It still applies with cancer, but can be more demanding to follow, and must be adapted to how you feel on the day [3].

Is it dangerous to exercise during cancer treatment?

The review from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found too little knowledge to say anything certain about serious adverse events [1]. After surgery restrictions may apply, and in some cases a high heart rate is not recommended [3]. You should therefore clarify the exercise with your treatment team.

What is the difference between soreness and fatigue?

Some soreness after exercise is common, while soreness lasting five days is regarded as too much. Being tired the day after a session is not necessarily fatigue [3].

The page about physiotherapy describes what an appointment with a physiotherapist can involve. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Dahm KT, Larun L, Kirkehei I, Reinar LM. Effekt av fysisk trening for personer med kreft (Effect of physical exercise for people with cancer). Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Published 14 June 2016. Link

2. Lein M. Fysisk aktivitet positivt etter kreftbehandling (Physical activity positive after cancer treatment). NHI.no. Last updated 25 July 2016. Link

3. Lein M. Trygg trening for kreftpasienter (Safe exercise for cancer patients; interview with specialist physiotherapist Emelie Wittusen). NHI.no. Last updated 28 October 2025. Link