Physical activity during oncological treatment, supported by doctors

Oncological treatment often comes hand in hand with pronounced fatigue, loss of muscle strength, and reduced exercise tolerance. The natural reaction might be to give up physical activity altogether, but specialists at SANADOR point out that, in most cases, this is not the most appropriate approach.

According to information published by SANADOR, physical activity undertaken during oncological treatment can help reduce fatigue, anxiety, and depressive states. At the same time, movement contributes to maintaining muscle strength and mobility, promotes better sleep, and overall leads to a higher quality of life.

It is important that the exercise programme be personalised, taking into account several factors: the type of cancer diagnosed, the treatment regimen being followed, the patient's level of physical activity prior to illness, and any side effects that may have occurred. Only in this way does physical activity remain safe and realistically adapted to each patient's capabilities.

What types of movement are recommended

This is not about demanding workouts. Movement can include walking, light strength exercises, mobility activities, or other forms of exertion adapted to the patient's condition.

There are, however, moments when intensity must be temporarily reduced — for example, during periods of severe anaemia, in the event of an infection, when pain is very intense, or following certain surgical procedures. The primary goal remains to maintain some form of physical activity throughout the duration of treatment, always in coordination with the oncologist and the medical team involved in the patient's care.

This material is part of an information series supported by SANADOR, available at www.sanador.ro.