Be more active to help prevent cancer
Moving more and being physically active is important to maintain physical and mental wellbeing following a diagnosis of cancer - before, during and after treatment.
A physically active lifestyle is linked to an improvement in many of the side effects of cancer treatments.
Being active and keeping to a healthy weight can also help to reduce the risk of certain cancers coming back or getting another one.
Some hormonal therapies used to treat certain cancers can increase the risk of bone thinning. Exercises where you're supporting your own body weight can help to keep bones and muscles strong.
Moving Medicine have produced a leaflet which shows you why being active is important for cancer.
Before treatment
If you can improve your general fitness level before treatment it may mean you have fewer or less severe side effects. It can also help you recover more quickly.
During treatment
The amount of activity you can do will depend on your level of fitness and your treatment.
Moving more can help:
- reduce the risk of blood clots
- maintain your fitness, strength and bone health
- help improve your mood and quality of life
Even a little regular physical activity such as short walks, gardening and housework can help give you more energy, make you feel stronger and improve your mental wellbeing.
After treatment
Being physically active can help you feel more like you did before cancer and help you take back control of your health. It may help reduce the risk of some cancers coming back.
Useful information
Macmillan Cancer Support
The Macmillan Cancer Support website has lots of information about the benefits of keeping active and tools to help you move more.
You can also download or order a copy of Move More :Your guide to becoming more active
Cancer Research UK
The Cancer Research UK website encourages exercise as a way of reducing your cancer risk.
You can also find exercise guidelines for cancer patients.
Walking for health
Walking is safe during and after most types of cancer treatment. Find out about the benefits of walking on the Ramblers website.
Find information on health walks and walking groups on the:
MOVE against cancer
MOVE against cancer is a national charity that promotes the benefits of exercise and movement. It provides practical and online support to children and young people living with and beyond cancer and to a wider age range through the new 5k Your way initiative.
Their activities include:
- 5K Your Way. Walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at a local 5K Your way parkrun event on the last Saturday of every month. The closest runs to Stockport are in Stretford and Wilmslow
- MOVE online 8 week virtual support programme for children and young people aged 13 to 30 living with and beyond cancer
Stockport LifeLeisure
If you're living with cancer, are currently inactive and would like support to help you become and stay more physically active, you can refer yourself to Stockport LifeLeisure’s exercise referral scheme, PARiS. You can also ask your health professional to refer you.
The EXI App
The EXI app is a free evidence based app which produces a 12 week personalised physical activity programme tailored to your own health and fitness that gradually helps you to increase your activity levels. It includes programmes for 23 of the most common physical and mental health conditions including cancer.