Exercise Oncology
Exercise Rehabilitation Following Diagnosis and Treatment
A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have significant effects on physical health and function. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other treatments can contribute to fatigue, loss of muscle mass and strength, reduced cardiovascular fitness and a decline in overall physical capacity.
Exercise provides a structured and individualised way to maintain and rebuild physical capacity during and after cancer treatment. Exercise is prescribed and progressed according to your diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, current fitness and any treatment-related limitations.
During treatment, the focus may be on maintaining strength, aerobic fitness, mobility and everyday function, while helping manage fatigue and other physical effects of treatment. As treatment progresses or concludes, exercise can be progressively developed through resistance and aerobic training to rebuild strength, fitness and physical capacity.
For people wanting to return to higher levels of activity, exercise can continue beyond the initial recovery period, progressing towards the demands of work, recreational exercise, gym training and an active lifestyle.
The longer-term goal is to establish a sustainable approach to exercise that supports physical health, function and an active life during and beyond cancer treatment.
What does exercise therapy actually help with?
Research supports the role of exercise throughout cancer treatment and recovery, with benefits including
Cancer-related fatigue: Exercise is one of the most effective non-drug strategies for managing cancer-related fatigue, both during and after treatment.
Treatment-related effects: Some cancer treatments can affect the cardiovascular system, lungs and other areas of physical health. Appropriate exercise can help maintain physical capacity during treatment and support recovery afterwards.
Muscle strength and physical function: Cancer treatment and periods of reduced activity can lead to a loss of strength and physical function. Resistance training can help maintain muscle strength during treatment and rebuild it during recovery.
Cardiovascular fitness: Aerobic exercise can help maintain cardiovascular fitness during treatment and rebuild fitness when treatment has finished.
Quality of life: Regular exercise can improve quality of life during and after cancer treatment, helping people remain active and independent.
Anxiety and depression: Exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with cancer and its treatment.
Maintaining muscle mass: Reduced activity, changes in appetite and the effects of treatment can contribute to muscle loss. Resistance training provides an important stimulus to maintain and rebuild muscle mass.
Long-term health: Remaining physically active after a cancer diagnosis is associated with better long-term health outcomes and, for some cancers, improved survival outcomes. The evidence is particularly established in breast, colorectal and prostate cancer.
Our Rehabilitation Structure
Initial Consultation
1 hour
The initial assessment begins with a review of your cancer history, current and previous treatments, medications, symptoms and any treatment-related considerations.
We will then complete a comprehensive physical assessment of your cardiovascular health, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and physical function. This helps establish your current physical capacity and provides a baseline for developing an exercise program specific to your needs, treatment and goals.
What to bring?
Bring your Medicare card and Private insurance details
As much information about your cancer diagnosis and treatment
List of Medications
Allow 45 to 60 minutes for your initial Consultation
Locations for this service
Murdoch Square
Subsequent Consultation
30 Minutes
This session will be used to deliver your exercise programming and make fine adjustments with each consultation. You will be given a program through an app, which allows you to track your progress
Locations for this service
Murdoch Square
Subiaco
Subsequent Rehabilitation session
45 Minutes
1:1 Rehabilitation/gym session that involves a hands-on walkthrough of your exercise program. This session is mostly suited for individuals who have no experience with exercise and want hands-on guidance on technique and execution of exercises
Locations for this service
Murdoch Square
Subiaco (for gym based loading)
I’m already undergoing treatment; what good could exercise do?
Exercise is increasingly recognised as an important part of cancer care, including during active treatment.
Research shows that appropriately prescribed exercise can help reduce cancer-related fatigue and treatment-related side effects, while helping maintain muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, physical function and quality of life.
There is also growing evidence that physical activity following a cancer diagnosis is associated with better long-term cancer outcomes. Studies in breast, colorectal and prostate cancer have reported lower cancer-related mortality, improved survival and, in some populations, a reduced risk of recurrence among people who remain physically active.
The purpose of exercise during treatment is therefore not just maintaining fitness. It can help preserve your physical capacity through treatment, manage treatment-related side effects and may contribute to better long-term health and cancer outcomes.
Exercise should be individually prescribed around your cancer diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, fatigue, medications and any treatment-related complications.
Exercise during cancer treatment is not only about maintaining fitness. Research suggests it can help reduce treatment-related side effects, preserve physical function, and, in some cancers, may also be associated with lower recurrence and improved survival.
Request a Personalized Consultation
Submit the form to discuss specific rehabilitation goals and determine the optimal service pathway.