Breast Cancer and Exercise

You might think I’m crazy when I say this…
But exercise should absolutely be used as therapy during active cancer treatment.

It’s not just a “nice to have” — it’s one of the most effective adjuvant therapies we have, second only to traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. When combined with nutritional support, exercise plays a powerful, evidence-based role in enhancing treatment outcomes and improving quality of life.

So, What Does the Research Actually Say?

Research in exercise oncology has exploded in recent years. What we now know is that exercise has both direct and indirect effects on cancer biology, treatment effectiveness, and survivorship.

Here’s what the evidence tells us:

• Exercise inhibits tumor growth and metastasis.
  Physical activity causes a surge in epinephrine, which triggers the mobilisation of natural killer (NK) cells — a type of immune cell known for targeting and destroying cancer cells.
• Exercise enhances immune surveillance.
  A single session of exercise increases immune cell circulation and drives NK cells and T-cells toward tumor sites. It also helps stimulate the production of new immune cells — keeping the body’s natural defenses strong.
• Exercise makes cancer treatment more effective.
  A bout of exercise immediately before chemotherapy or radiation has been shown to improve drug uptake at the tumor site, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of treatment.
• Exercise helps manage treatment-related side effects.
  From fatigue and muscle loss to chemo brain and peripheral neuropathy, exercise plays a vital role in mitigating a wide range of side effects. It’s even been shown to reduce the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis caused by hormone therapy or chemotherapy.
• Exercise improves treatment tolerance and compliance.
  Patients who engage in regular physical activity experience fewer toxicities, are less likely to need dose reductions, and are more likely to complete their treatment plans.

How Do We Apply This Research in the Real World?

In clinical settings, this research translates into safe, personalised exercise programs delivered by qualified professionals, such as Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs).

This isn’t just about telling someone to “go for a walk.” It’s about:

• Prescribing targeted, adaptable exercise depending on the treatment phase (surgery, chemo, radiation, hormone therapy).
• Managing fatigue and side effects in real time, tailoring sessions to how the client is feeling that day.
• Monitoring for red flags and adjusting intensity, volume, and type of activity safely.
• Supporting long-term survivorship and functional recovery through evidence-based movement.

And most importantly, it’s about keeping the person at the centre — because no two cancer experiences are the same.

Why Do Exercise Physiologists Need Further Training in This Space?

Even with a strong foundation in human movement and clinical conditions, cancer care is complex, nuanced, and constantly evolving. Here’s why further training — like this course — is essential for AEPs:

1. Cancer is not one-size-fits-all. Breast cancer alone has multiple subtypes, treatment paths, and side effect profiles. You need the knowledge to understand and adapt to these differences.
2. The risks are real. Without proper training, you risk overprescribing, underprescribing, or missing key signs of complications like lymphedema, cardiac dysfunction, or immune suppression.
3. Specialising in oncology exercise allows you to serve a growing population with complex needs — and positions you as a leader in allied health.
4. You’ll change lives.Helping someone regain strength, reduce side effects, and feel empowered through treatment is some of the most meaningful work you’ll ever do.

The Bottom Line

Exercise shouldn’t be optional during cancer treatment — it’s essential. Research supports it. Clinical outcomes depend on it.

If you’re an exercise professional looking to work in this space, start by investing in your knowledge. Learn the mechanisms. Understand the treatments. Master the art of personalised prescription.

You can do this inside the Exercise Oncology: Breast Cancer Mastery Program – Learn more HERE