Exercise and cancer

Exercise and cancer content

Helping the body prepare for, and recover from, cancer treatment

There is growing research evidence that exercise before, during and after cancer treatment can improve the effectiveness of other treatments, increase long-term survival, and lower the chance of cancer coming back. In direct contrast to the old adage “rest up”, cancer patients are now being advised to follow a personalised cancer exercise rehabilitation plan to help the body prepare for, and recover from cancer treatment.

Active Together cancer exercise rehabilitation

Active Together is a pioneering new service for people with cancer. It provides individualised exercise, nutritional and psychological support to help patients prepare for, respond to, and recover from cancer treatment. Currently open to people in Sheffield, other services are planned across Yorkshire.

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A patient using resistance resistance bands standing opposite an exercise specialist

Quote from Professor Rob Copeland

Being more physically active following a cancer diagnosis is associated with a lower risk of cancer recurrence and a greater likelihood of recovery.

Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University

Picture of Professor Rob Copeland, Director of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University

Can exercise reduce the risk of cancer recurrence?

A new research trial involving 660 people in Yorkshire will test the benefits of personalised, home-based exercise for people with lung, breast or bowel cancer.