According to the American Cancer Society, cancer patients are advised to engage in 150–300 minutes of light physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, to support recovery and overall well-being.
Nutrition dietitian and child care expert Dr. Archita Mahajan, who holds a Master’s degree in Food Nutrition and Dietetics and is also a homeopathic pharmacist and trained yoga teacher, emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between physical activity and adequate rest during cancer treatment. She stated that patients should remain active according to their physical capacity rather than staying confined to bed continuously.
Dr. Mahajan explained that walking and light exercise offer multiple health benefits for cancer patients, including reduced fatigue, improved muscle strength, and better mental health. However, she also stressed that sufficient rest is equally important to help the body recover from treatment-related side effects.
Benefits of Walking and Light Exercise
Daily light walks lasting 10–30 minutes can help increase energy levels and reduce tiredness. Patients are encouraged to start gradually, such as walking for short intervals of 10–15 minutes in the morning and evening, and slowly increase duration based on comfort.
Importance of Rest and Balance
Experts advise patients to listen to their bodies and rest whenever they feel exhausted. Adequate hydration and a balanced diet also play a crucial role in recovery and maintaining strength during treatment.
Apart from walking, gentle activities such as yoga, stretching, and light strength training — under medical supervision — may also be beneficial.
Health experts note that physical inactivity can increase the risk of various diseases, including certain cancers. Recent research is increasingly highlighting the advantages of staying active even after diagnosis.
At the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), one of the world’s largest cancer conferences held in Chicago, studies presented strong evidence supporting physical activity for cancer patients. Cancer survivorship expert Dr. Melissa Hudson stated that earlier patients were often advised to rest completely, but medical opinion is now shifting toward encouraging early and gradual physical activity.
One study presented at the conference examined the effects of yoga on inflammation — a key factor linked to tumor growth and cancer progression — showing promising results in improving patient outcomes.
Experts now agree that restarting physical activity, even slowly, can play a significant role in improving recovery, quality of life, and long-term health for cancer patients.
