Frequently Asked Questions

Archive of questions posed about exercise, nutrition and cancer, answered by OncoLink experts.

Exercise

Exercise after mastectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am looking for the latest information regarding exercise for a very recent postop mastectomy. Or is it doctor related preference as how much exercise how soon? Lora Packel, MSPT, Coordinator of Cancer Rehabilitation at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:
Exercise after a tram flap Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I'm interested in knowing how tram flap breast cancer survivors handle exercise and muscle toning. I am a 5-year survivor with a tram flap and have gained 100+ lbs. and am now getting back in to the exercise mode and want to know what kind of exercises will help with my bending motion. Lora Packel MS, PT,
Abdominal Exercise after Mastectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with breast cancer about 4.5 years ago, and had a mastectomy and TRAM flap reconstruction. Since that time, I have had to wear a support on my abdomen. I originally gained weight, but have lost some of it. I started an intense exercise program about 6 months ago, and now my abdomen is much more
Exercise After Breast Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Although my wife and I have been told that squash and tennis (which my wife played before her mastectomy) is not recommended, I am curious to know why? Whereas weight training seems to be getting a cautious 'green light', are there specific reasons why racket sports and the type of arm movement involved would
Swimming and Exercise While on Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am about to start radiation therapy for breast cancer. Can I swim during this time? I have heard conflicting reports about exercise during therapy. Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema Team Editor, responds:Your doctors, including the surgeon, medical oncologist,
Exercise for pelvic radiation fibrosis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," One of the physiotherapists in our Agency has been asked to develop an exercise program for a lady who has radiation fibrosis in her abdominal & pelvis. She had her radiation treatments about 4-5 months ago. Thank you for any help you are able to provide. Lora Packel MS, PT, Coordinator of
Exercise during radiation Therapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am currently having radiotherapy for invasive breast cancer. I had surgery 12 weeks ago and the tumor was removed within a 1 mm margin of healthy tissue and very close to the muscle. I would like to play tennis and wondered whether it would be beneficial or not. Is it better not to do exercise of the chest area
Exercise During Chemotherapy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I saw a story on the news about something called heat shock protein. They said that stress (including strenuous exercise) the day before chemotherapy could protect cancer cells from chemotherapy. Is there any truth to a danger to exercising the day before chemo treatment? Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, cancer
Exercise Precautions During Cancer Treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had stage 3 breast cancer, surgery and am now getting chemo. Surgeon has cleared me to resume working out- I always went to the gym at least 4x a week. I am sure I will need to do less and not as intense, but it will help me get a little normalcy back. My question is for precautions. Everyone mentions infection
Is It OK To Exercise On Day Of Treatment? Is it ok to exercise on days when I get chemo or radiation? Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, Penn Medicine researcher who specializes in the role of physical activity in lymphedema development and prevention, responds: If you feel up to doing exercise on days when you get chemo or radiation, yes, it is safe to exercise on those days. There is one 'in
What Type of Exercise During Cancer Therapy? What kind of exercise is good to do while undergoing chemo and/or radiation? Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, Penn Medicine researcher who specializes in the role of physical activity in lymphedema development and prevention, responds: According to the American Cancer Society, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Comprehensive