This blog outlines the role of exercise in supporting individuals with lung cancer, including its effects on physical function, treatment tolerance, and quality of life. It also provides guidance on safe participation in exercise during and after treatment.
The Role of Exercise in Lung Cancer Care
A diagnosis of lung cancer is associated with significant physical and psychological burden. Incorporating structured exercise into standard care has been shown to provide multiple therapeutic benefits.
Current evidence indicates that exercise is both safe and feasible for individuals with lung cancer across the treatment continuum. Participation in regular exercise is associated with improvements in functional capacity, reductions in treatment-related side effects, and enhanced psychological wellbeing.
Exercise interventions may also assist in the management of dyspnoea, preservation of skeletal muscle mass, and maintenance of energy levels.
Physiological and Psychosocial Benefits
Exercise participation in individuals with lung cancer has been associated with:
- Improved cardiorespiratory function: Aerobic exercise can enhance oxygen utilisation and cardiovascular efficiency.
- Reduced cancer-related fatigue: Low- to moderate-intensity activity has been shown to mitigate treatment-related fatigue.
- Enhanced psychological wellbeing: Exercise is associated with reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improvements in overall mood.
- Improved surgical outcomes: Prehabilitation (exercise prior to treatment) may reduce postoperative complications and support recovery.
Recommended Exercise Modalities
A multimodal exercise program is generally recommended and may include:
- Aerobic training: Activities such as walking or cycling to support cardiovascular health.
- Resistance training: Use of light weights or resistance bands to maintain or improve muscle strength.
- Flexibility and balance training: Practices such as stretching or tai chi to support mobility and postural control.
- Breathing exercises: Techniques commonly used in pulmonary rehabilitation to improve ventilatory efficiency.
Exercise programs should be individualised based on treatment status, symptom severity, and baseline cardiorespiratory fitness.
Safety Considerations
To ensure safe participation in exercise:
- Medical clearance is recommended prior to commencing or modifying an exercise program.
- Exercise intensity should be progressed gradually, with close attention to symptoms such as excessive fatigue or breathlessness.
- Supervision by qualified professionals, such as Accredited Exercise Physiologists with training in oncology, is advised to ensure appropriate prescription and monitoring.
Even low-duration activity (e.g., short walking intervals) may provide clinically meaningful benefits when performed consistently.
Key Points
- Exercise is a safe and effective adjunct therapy for individuals with lung cancer.
- Benefits include improvements in physical function, fatigue, psychological wellbeing, and treatment outcomes.
- Individualised, progressive exercise programs are recommended.
- Professional guidance can optimise safety, adherence, and clinical outcomes.
Your Movement With Cancer Exercise Oncology Program
Our ‘Your Movement With Cancer’ program is an evidence-based exercise program for people living with and beyond cancer. It offers a supportive, safe environment where individuals can participate in tailored movement and exercise sessions, whether during treatment or in recovery. The program is run by one of our Accredited Exercise Physiologists, Alana, who has additional training in exercise oncology care, ensuring participants receive specialised, evidence-based support throughout their cancer journey.