Using Exercise to Manage Cancer Related Fatigue

Cancer related fatigue is one of the most common side effects that cancer patients can experience no matter the type of cancer or the treatment being prescribed. Fatigue is something that everyone will experience differently, and finding a way to manage fatigue will help improve your ability to function and get back into your daily routine.

Research has shown that exercise can be a first line treatment for the management of fatigue and has a greater effect then any pharmaceutical intervention. Right now research readily supports the use of low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise as something patients can do daily to manage fatigue. Exercise stimulates the body to release feel good endorphins, which act as a mood and energy booster.  Regular exercise can also help with increasing your quality of sleep; which for some patients is a factor contributing to fatigue levels.

Where you are in a treatment plan and how long you are post treatment will contribute to fatigue as well as many other physical and mental factors. Keep in mind it is always best to start small and work your way up.  Make it a goal to start with a minimum of 10minutes of walking, even on days when you feel extremely fatigued. The addition of daily activity is going to be what makes the biggest difference in the management of fatigue.  It’s also a good habit to get used to checking in with yourself at the beginning and end of everyday so you can adjust activity to levels that are manageable for you.

Its important to remember that everyone will respond differently and if you are unsure whether exercise is safe for you to start its best to seek professional advice. A Certified Exercise Physiologist or Doctor has the ability to can clear you for exercise and can make exercise recommendations that are best for your situation.