Cancer and Exercise: How Longevity Exercise Physiology Can Support You Before, During, and After Treatment
A cancer diagnosis can change everything. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in the middle of treatment, or finding your way through recovery, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what comes next.
One thing we know at Longevity is that exercise can be an incredibly powerful ally through every stage of the cancer journey. What was once seen as something to avoid during treatment, structured exercise is now considered a core part of cancer care. The evidence is clear: gentle, structured movement can help reduce fatigue, ease side effects, and support both your body and mind through a challenging time.
At Longevity Exercise Physiology, our Accredited Exercise Physiologists are trained to deliver safe, individualised exercise programs that can support you before, during, and after cancer treatment, helping you protect your strength, function, and longevity.
Understanding Cancer and Its Impact
Cancer is a group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. There are over 200 different types of cancer, each with its own characteristics, treatment approaches, and recovery considerations. Cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy, can lead to a range of physical and psychological side effects that affect quality of life and long term health.
Common Cancers in Australia
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Colorectal (bowel) cancer
- Melanoma and other skin cancers
- Lung cancer
- Lymphoma and leukaemia
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Cancer in Australia: The Numbers
According to Cancer Australia and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), it is estimated that 169,759 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australia in 2025. Around 2 in 5 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. The good news is that survival rates continue to improve significantly, with five year survival rising from 50% in 1987–1991 to 72% in 2017–2021. As a result, close to one million Australians are currently living with a cancer diagnosis from the past decade, creating a growing population of people who can benefit enormously from structured exercise support.
If you or someone you love is navigating a cancer diagnosis, please keep reading. We hope to share how exercise, done safely and with the right support, can play a meaningful role in your wellbeing.
Benefits of Exercise for People with Cancer
It can feel counterintuitive to think about exercise when you’re tired, sore, or recovering from treatment. Yet research consistently shows that gentle, well prescribed movement can be one of the most helpful things for both your body and your mind during this time. Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) recommends that all cancer patients incorporate targeted, individualised exercise into their care plan, with strong evidence showing benefits across a wide range of cancer types and treatment stages.
Exercise can help by:
- Easing cancer related fatigue, one of the most common and difficult side effects of treatment
- Improving cardiorespiratory fitness, which can help you feel more capable in daily life
- Helping preserve muscle mass and strength, which often decline during treatment
- Supporting bone health, particularly important during hormone therapies
- Lifting mood and easing feelings of anxiety or low mood
- Improving sleep quality and overall sense of wellbeing
- Reducing the risk of treatment related complications and supporting recovery
- Helping you feel more in control of your body during a time when so much can feel out of your hands
How Longevity Exercise Physiology Can Help
We understand that starting or continuing exercise during cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. That’s why our Accredited Exercise Physiologists, recognised by ESSA as the most appropriately qualified health professionals to prescribe exercise for people with cancer, take the time to listen, understand your story, and design a program that feels manageable and supportive. Every program is shaped around your specific cancer type, treatment stage, side effects, energy levels, and personal goals.
Our cancer exercise programs may include:
- Aerobic conditioning to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce fatigue
- Resistance training to preserve and build muscle mass and strength
- Functional training to support daily activities and independence
- Balance and mobility work to reduce fall risk during and after treatment
- Pre-habilitation exercise prior to surgery or chemotherapy to optimise outcomes
- Gentle, supportive programming during active treatment when energy is low
- Progressive rebuilding of fitness, strength, and confidence in survivorship
Flexible session options:
- Gym based 1:1 supervised sessions
- Outdoor exercise sessions
- Home visits
- Telehealth consultations
What sets Longevity apart is our individualised, 1:1 supervised approach. Our exercise physiologists work alongside your oncologist, GP, and broader cancer care team to ensure your program complements the rest of your care. We meet you where you are and adapt every session to how you’re feeling on the day, because we know that no two days during cancer treatment look the same. There’s no pressure, no judgement, and no expectation to do more than you can manage.
Longevity Exercise Physiology has been privileged to support hundreds of clients across Australia through their cancer journeys, helping them feel a little stronger, a little more like themselves, and a little more hopeful along the way.
Additional Tips for Supporting Your Health Through Cancer
- Be gentle with yourself, and remember that even small amounts of movement on low energy days can make a difference
- Try to eat well, with a focus on protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to support your body
- Stay well hydrated, particularly during chemotherapy and radiation
- Prioritise rest, as recovery is just as important as activity
- Communicate openly with your treatment team about any new symptoms or side effects
- Lean on your support network, whether that’s family, friends, counsellors, or support groups
- Speak with your oncologist before starting any new exercise program, and consider working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist who understands cancer care
Getting Started with Longevity Exercise Physiology
You don’t have to navigate this on your own. With the right support, exercise can become a gentle but powerful part of your treatment and recovery, helping you feel a little more like yourself again.
If you’d like guidance that’s personalised, evidence based, and built around where you are in your journey, we’d be honoured to help.
Claim your FREE 15 minute phone consultation.
Call us at Longevity Exercise Physiology Ascot Vale, Aspley, Broadbeach, Casey, Castle Hill, Coburg, Deagon, Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Five Dock, Gladesville, Gungahlin, Kingsgrove, Liverpool, Macarthur Campbelltown, Marrickville, Neutral Bay, Penrith, Pymble, Pyrmont, Randwick, Rhodes, Rosebery, Springfield, Yamanto today on 1300 964 002 to book your personalised session or a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Written by Aidan Frai (Intern)
References
- Cancer Australia (2025). Cancer in Australia Statistics. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/research-grants/data-and-statistics/cancer-australia-statistics
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2025). Cancer Data in Australia. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/contents/overview
- Cancer Council Australia (2024). Facts and Figures. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/what-is-cancer/facts-and-figures
- Hayes SC, Newton RU, Spence RR, Galvão DA. (2019). The Exercise and Sports Science Australia position statement: Exercise medicine in cancer management. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22(11), 1175–1199. https://www.jsams.org/article/S1440-2440(18)31270-2/fulltext
- Campbell KL, Winters Stone KM, Wiskemann J, et al. (2019). Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 51(11), 2375–2390. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31626055/
- Exercise and Sports Science Australia (2019). Position Statement on Exercise Medicine in Cancer Management. https://www.essa.org.au/Public/Advocacy/Position_Statements.aspx