Useful resources > Cancer and exercise

Cancer and exercise

Keeping active before, during and after cancer treatment can help both your physical and mental health. Taking regular exercise has so many benefits including helping to reduce fatigue, improving mood and positivity, increasing strength, balance and mobility as well as helping to maintain independence.

Not sure where to start?

Whether you’re an active gym goer or prefer a peaceful stroll in the park, the changes to your body during cancer treatment can be unsettling. That is where Big C comes in; we can support you alongside your clinical team to become or stay active in a safe way.

A lady sitting on the floor in exercise wear, watching an exercise class on the television.

Try our current programmes

Tackle cancer

Join us at the Football Development Centre for a walking football and support group for people affected by cancer.

We meet every Wednesday from 11am – 1pm for an hour of relaxed walking football, followed by a chance to talk with others, meet new people and make friends.

Find out more

A man in football boots standing in a playing field.

Get Moving

We have a wellbeing support programme to help increase your physical activity with a weekly online exercise class and regular 1:1 support.

Find out more

A woman stretching, touching her toes whilst listening to a fitness podcast.

“Big C has given me something to do outside the grey world of cancer and allowed me to mix with other people during the pandemic and reconnect with the world outside”
GET MOVING participant

Gentle exercises to try at home

You can do these movements in your own time and at your own pace, and there are tips in the videos about pacing yourself. If you feel you need support to increase your physical activity safely, consult your cancer care team or GP.