Disclaimer: Cancer rehabilitation should be coordinated with your oncology team. Always obtain medical clearance before commencing an exercise program during cancer treatment. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
The evidence for exercise in cancer care has been transformed over the past decade. Exercise during and after cancer treatment reduces fatigue, maintains muscle mass and function, improves quality of life, and is now recognised as a standard component of cancer care — not an optional extra.
The Evidence: Exercise and Cancer Outcomes
Multiple high-quality systematic reviews confirm:
- Exercise significantly reduces cancer-related fatigue — the most debilitating side effect of treatment
- Resistance training prevents the muscle wasting (sarcopenia) that accompanies chemotherapy
- Exercise improves mood, sleep, and body image during treatment
- For some cancers (particularly breast and colorectal cancer), regular physical activity after diagnosis is associated with improved survival
- Exercise appears safe during most cancer treatments — including chemotherapy and radiation
Physiotherapy in Cancer Rehabilitation
During treatment: Exercise programs timed around chemotherapy cycles, graded walking programs during radiation, breathing exercises and airway clearance for lung cancer patients.
Post-surgical rehabilitation: Shoulder mobility after mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection (beginning within 24 hours), core rehabilitation after abdominal surgery, stoma management education.
Lymphoedema management: Manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, exercise, skin care, and garment prescription for those with breast cancer-related upper limb lymphoedema or other cancer-related lymphoedema.
Pelvic floor rehabilitation: After prostate, bladder, or gynaecological cancer treatment affecting continence and sexual function.
Deconditioning rehabilitation: After intensive treatment (bone marrow transplant, prolonged hospitalisation) — progressive exercise to restore function and fitness.
Cancer Rehabilitation at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
We work with cancer patients and survivors across Melbourne's northern suburbs. We coordinate with oncologists, surgeons, and GPs. Medicare EPC and NDIS funding can apply. Call (03) 9467 6900 to discuss your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does physiotherapy do for cancer patients?
Physiotherapy in cancer care includes: exercise prescription during and after treatment to reduce fatigue and maintain function, lymphoedema management (particularly after breast cancer surgery with lymph node removal), post-mastectomy shoulder rehabilitation, pelvic floor rehabilitation after gynaecological or prostate cancer treatment, breathlessness management in lung cancer, and general deconditioning rehabilitation after intensive treatment.
What is lymphoedema and can physiotherapy treat it?
Lymphoedema is chronic swelling caused by damage to the lymphatic system — most commonly after lymph node removal during cancer surgery (particularly breast cancer or melanoma). Physiotherapists trained in lymphoedema management use manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, exercise, and compression garment fitting to reduce swelling and maintain function.
Can exercise improve cancer survival outcomes?
Emerging evidence suggests yes — particularly for breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Regular physical activity after cancer diagnosis is associated with improved disease-free survival and reduced cancer-specific mortality in observational studies. The mechanisms include reducing circulating oestrogen (relevant for breast cancer), improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and enhancing immune function.
How soon after surgery can I start physiotherapy for cancer?
The timing depends on the surgery and treatment. After breast cancer surgery, shoulder mobility exercises often begin within 24 hours. After abdominal or pelvic surgery, breathing exercises begin immediately. A physiotherapist will liaise with your surgical and oncology team to determine the optimal time to begin rehabilitation for your specific situation.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora