Exercise during and after treatment

Can I exercise during and after treatment?

Research has shown that exercise has numerous health benefits for almost everyone. They include promoting heart health, muscle and bone strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of conditions such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure and hip fractures and also support for our mental health. There is also evidence that too much time spent sitting or lying down rather than moving around can be harmful. You can read more about the physical and mental health benefits of exercise at Benefits of exercise - NHS and 'About physical activity', Mind charity. The current general recommendation is for adults to do 150 minutes of exercise a week, made up of different activities.

Exercise can also be beneficial to people diagnosed with ovarian cancer, although you will need to make sure that it is safe and suitable for you. For example, after surgery it is usually helpful to do breathing and leg exercises to reduce the risk of chest infections and blood clots and you will be encouraged to get up as soon as it’s safe for you to do so to maintain your muscle strength.

However, it’s important to be gentle with yourself while you’re healing and recovering. Your physiotherapist or Clinical Nurse Specialist will advise you on which exercises are safe and beneficial for you to do as your recovery progresses. You can find more information on surgery for ovarian cancer here on our website and at christie.nhs.uk.

Exercise can also help to support your health during chemotherapy and alleviate some of the side effects. In particular, gentle exercise such as short walks, yoga and tai chi can help to maintain your energy levels if you’re experiencing fatigue. If you’re experiencing peripheral neuropathy which is affecting your balance, you can adapt your approach to exercise, for example by exercising in a chair or using a stationary bike. Your team will be able to advise you about the types of exercise that you can try safely and help you to find a way to exercise that suits you.

Ovacome offers gentle exercise and yoga classes , so keep an eye on our events page for upcoming courses.

Your team may know of local gentle exercise classes run by cancer support centres, gyms or community groups, although at the moment it is likely that most classes will be either suspended due to Covid-19 restrictions or taking place virtually. If you would like us to research available activities in your local area, please get in touch with us on 0800 008 7054 or at support@ovacome.org.uk .

Videos on exercising with a diagnosis

Watch: 'Liz Davis on the benefits of exercise during and after treatment'

Watch: 'Interview with Liz Davis, Cancer Exercise Specialist'

You can find more webinars on exercising during and after treatment here.

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We welcome your feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email r.grigg@ovacome.org.uk or call 0207 299 6653.