Resting to conserve energy may seem like the right thing to do when you have cancer. After all, the body and mind are facing the stresses of diagnosis, treatment, and side effects. In the past, doctors did not generally recommend physical activity for people with cancer. But that has changed. Today, your treatment plan is much more likely to include some form of exercise.
Aerobic endurance, strength, and flexibility are important benefits of being physically active during and after treatment. Endorphins released during exercise can reduce pain, while fresh air and solitude can provide a break from feeling like a patient rather than a person.