Anna L. Schwartz, PhD, FNP

This article includes a succinct review of current research into exercise in the cancer setting and a discussion of the American College of Sports Medicine exercise recommendations for cancer survivors. Common acute, long-term, and late effects of cancer and its treatment are also described in the context of ways in which these side effects impact the ability to exercise.

Learn how to help cancer patients and survivors ease into an exercise routine to promote overall wellness and combat fatigue.

La fatiga relacionada con el cáncer, un problema común y desconcertante que puede presentarse durante y después del tratamiento del cáncer, puede tener aspectos físicos, mentales y emocionales.

Cancer-related fatigue, a common and upsetting problem that can occur during and after cancer treatment, can have physical, mental, and emotional aspects. It can occur months or even years after cancer treatment ends and is typically more severe than fatigue experienced by people without cancer.

Fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer and its treatment, and it frequently goes unrecognized and untreated. While the exact etiology of fatigue is unclear, numerous contributing factors that worsen fatigue can be clinically addressed. Substantial research supports physical exercise as an intervention for fatigue.

Fatigue is one of the most common, distressing, and frustrating side effects of cancer and its treatment.[1] While red blood cell growth factors (erythropoietin) have greatly reduced the fatigue associated with anemia, patients continue to be confronted with fatigue that interferes with normal physical and emotional function both during and following treatment.