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Nutrition and daily life

Physical activity: small steps, big benefits

Lying in bed a lot during treatment leads to muscle loss, fatigue and a risk of blood clots. The right activity reduces fatigue and improves mood and appetite. This section explains the principles of moving safely.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Shoes by the door — Physical activity: small steps, big benefits
Figure 1.Walking shoes — Physical activity: small steps, big benefits

01Short answer

Start within your strength: 5–10 minutes of walking several times a day on the ward or at home. Light strength exercise (light weights, a resistance band) protects muscle. With very low platelets avoid sports with a risk of falls or knocks; during neutropenia avoid crowded gyms and swimming pools. If you have a central line, ask before swimming. Stop if you have a fever, dizziness, chest pain, breathlessness or severe anaemia. A physiotherapist can design a programme for you.

02Simple explanation

5–10 minutes a day.

Light strength work.

Low platelets: take care.

Symptoms: stop.

03Scientific explanation

ACSM and NCI: physical activity during and after treatment reduces fatigue and anxiety and improves physical function.

ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.

NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.

04What happens in the body?

Nutrition

Activity boosts appetite; a protein snack after exercise helps.

Weights on a mat — Physical activity: small steps, big benefits
Figure 2.Light weights — Physical activity: small steps, big benefits

Physiotherapist

Ask for a referral to the hospital physiotherapist.

A bright, empty corridor.
Figure 3.A corridor walk — Physical activity: small steps, big benefits

Dietitian

If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.

Food safety

Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

05Nutrition: four steps

Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.

Assess — Weight and appetite.1AssessWeight and appetite.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Cook — Hot throughout.3CookHot throughout.
Eat regularly — Small portions.4Eat regularlySmall portions.
StrengthEnergy.
ProteinFor muscle.
SafetyFood rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
NutritionActivity boosts appetite; a protein snack after exercise helps.
PhysiotherapistAsk for a referral to the hospital physiotherapist.
DietitianIf you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safetyFood-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

07Key terms

Strength training
Working muscles against resistance.
Physiotherapist
A specialist in restoring movement.
Dietitian
A nutrition specialist.
Protein
A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Start small.
  • Be regular.
  • Listen to symptoms.
  • A diet is not a treatment.
  • Talk to a dietitian.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I go to the gym?

During neutropenia usually not; at quiet times and with your team's approval.

Is yoga OK?

Gentle yoga is often fine.

Can a special diet cure leukemia?

No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I go to the gym?

  2. Is yoga OK?

  3. Can a special diet cure leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Physical Activity and Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  3. ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
  5. World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
  6. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Folate — Fact Sheet for Consumers
  7. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source. Vitamins and Minerals
  8. Clinical Nutrition (ESPEN), 2022. Berger MM et al. ESPEN micronutrient guideline
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). Micronutrients
  10. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Minerals
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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