[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/exercise-and-cancer\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/exercise-and-cancer\/","headline":"How Cancer Patients Can Enlist Exercise in Their Fight for Well-Being: Insights from 2 RCCA Oncologists\u2028","name":"How Cancer Patients Can Enlist Exercise in Their Fight for Well-Being: Insights from 2 RCCA Oncologists\u2028","description":"How Cancer Patients Can Enlist Exercise in Their Fight for Well-Being: Insights from 2 RCCA Oncologists\u2028 August 20, 2026 The emotional challenges of living with cancer can include a sense of helplessness. Some people undergoing treatment may feel that they have been relegated to the role of spectator, limited to watching from the sidelines as […]","datePublished":"2026-08-20","dateModified":"2026-08-20","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"ceastway","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1432413295-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1432413295-1.jpg","height":1185,"width":1600},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/exercise-and-cancer\/","about":["All Cancers","Breast Cancer"],"wordCount":2162,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow Cancer Patients Can Enlist Exercise in Their Fight for Well-Being: Insights from 2 RCCA Oncologists\u2028\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAugust 20, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe emotional challenges of living with cancer can include a sense of helplessness. Some people undergoing treatment may feel that they have been relegated to the role of spectator, limited to watching from the sidelines as they wait to see which will prevail \u2013 the disease that threatens their life or the therapies being administered to combat it.May Abdo-Matkiwsky, DO, has good news for people burdened by that sentiment. The board-certified medical oncologist says, \u201cWe all want to feel that we are in control of our lives, so I entirely understand why a diagnosis of cancer and the journey it sets in motion can leave a person feeling overwhelmed and without agency, particularly in the first days after receiving the news. However, there actually is a great deal that people can do to pursue the best possible outcomes and to maintain their quality of life.\u201dDr. Abdo-Matkiwsky explains that this proactive approach starts with being a full partner with the oncologist in selecting and implementing a treatment plan individualized to your specific situation and needs. \u201cShare your concerns, questions, goals, and preferences with your doctor, and work closely with the oncologist every step of the way,\u201d she says. Beyond that, she adds, adopting healthy exercise and nutritional habits following diagnosis can reduce the chances of cancer recurrence following treatment, enhance quality of life, and even extend survival.\u201cThere is clear, substantial, and growing scientific evidence that diet and exercise can benefit people undergoing active treatment for cancer and longer-term survivors,\u201d says the physician, who practices at the Sparta, NJ, office of Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists. RCCA treats patients at more than 20 locations near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area.Studies Show Benefits of Exercise for Cancer SurvivorsIn terms of exercise (the role of diet is addressed in a companion article), Dr. Abdo-Matkiwsky underscores her point by citing recent studies involving the four most common cancers:Breast cancer survivors who met general guidelines for aerobic health cut their risk of death in half and reduced their risk of cancer recurrence by 20%.Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors who engaged in a 3-year structured exercise program after completing chemotherapy were significantly less likely than other CRC survivors treated with chemotherapy to have died or to have had a recurrence of their colorectal cancer after 7.9 years of follow-up.Physical activity following a diagnosis of lung cancer was associated with a 15% lower risk of death from any cause and an 11% lower risk of death from lung cancer compared to not engaging in physical activity in a study involving more than 23,000 people.An analysis of six studies on exercise in men with prostate cancer found that physical activity was associated with a 31% reduction in relative risk of death from the disease. Dr. Abdo-Matkiwsky adds that physical activity also has been shown to reduce fatigue, anxiety, and depression in people with cancer. She says, \u201cThe idea that exercise can help with fatigue is counterintuitive. When we\u2019re tired, our natural inclination is to rest. Getting up and getting moving can be the last thing on your mind. And, of course, if patients are experiencing debilitating fatigue the day after having received chemotherapy or another treatment, they need to take it easy and recover their strength. However, the evidence documents that at the appropriate time and in a sensible manner, exercise can help boost energy in people being treated for cancer.\u201d\u00a0Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Patients and SurvivorsHow can people who are being treated for cancer or who have completed active treatment obtain the benefits that physical activity offers?Bhavesh Balar, MD, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist practicing at RCCA\u2019s office in Freehold, NJ, notes that the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) all have issued evidence-based guidelines for cancer survivors. \u201cWhile these are general guidelines that need to be tailored to each person\u2019s specific situation in consultation with his or her oncologist, they provide a great framework,\u201d Dr. Balar says. He notes, for example, that the American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors engage in one of the following:From 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity during which you can talk but not sing (for example, brisk walking, yoga, leisurely bicycling)From 75 to 150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity activity where you have trouble talking or are out of breath (examples include running, swimming, singles tennis)A combination of the two intensities.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cThere is clear, substantial, and growing scientific evidence that diet and exercise can benefit people undergoing active treatment for cancer and longer-term survivors.\u201d\u2028\u2028                                                                                -- May Abdo-Matkiwsky, DO\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cSelect physical activities that you enjoy. The more you like doing something, the more likely you are to keep doing it. That\u2019s just human nature. Similarly, the better that something fits into your daily or weekly schedule, the more likely it is to maintain a place in that schedule.\u201d\u2028\u2028                                                                                              -- Bhavesh Balar, MD\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn addition, being treated for cancer should engage in muscle-strengthening activities two or more days a week (examples include using hand weights or exercise bands and body weight activities such as push-ups or squats).\u201cThe National Comprehensive Cancer Network has issued similar recommendations and also stresses the importance of stretching major muscle groups, core exercises and balance training, engaging in general physical activity daily, and avoiding prolonged sedentary behavior,\u201d Dr. Balar notes.The oncologist adds that the American College of Sports Medicine has issued physical activity guidelines that focus on specific goals for people with cancer, such as dealing with fatigue, maintaining health-related quality of life, and addressing anxiety and depression. (See accompanying box, \u201cResources on Exercise for Cancer Survivors.\u201d) \u201cAdditionally, earlier this year the ACSM issued new exercise guidelines specifically designed for older cancer survivors. These guidelines meet a pressing need, because advances in cancer treatment mean that many people are living for 10 years, 20 years, or longer following treatment and need evidence-based guidance on how to maintain their health.\u201d4 Tips for Making Movement MatterBeyond following the recommendations of respected organizations, the two RCCA oncologists say it\u2019s important to keep a few common-sense rules in mind.Check with your oncologist before starting a new exercise regimen. \u201cThe guidelines provide valuable general direction, but their recommendations must be tailored to each person\u2019s specific situation. The nature and intensity of an exercise regimen for someone who is three years past active treatment is going to differ from that of someone undergoing chemotherapy. It\u2019s not that you can\u2019t exercise while receiving treatment \u2013 in fact, we encourage it to the extent that is it safe and within a person\u2019s abilities \u2013 but it requires a thoughtful, realistic approach,\u201d says Dr. Balar.See what your insurance plan offers. Many insurance plans provide for cancer patients to have one-time consultations or a fixed number of sessions with a physical therapist or exercise physiologist, Dr. Abdo-Matkiwsky notes. She adds that it is important to work with clinicians who have experience developing exercise plans for people with cancer and to provide those healthcare professionals with detailed information about your diagnosis, treatment, overall health, and any mobility problems you are experiencing. \u201cAsking your oncologist to recommend a couple of nearby therapists or exercise physiologists that the doctor knows and trusts is a good idea,\u201d she says. Select physical activities that you enjoy \u2013 and that fit your life. \u201cThe more you like doing something, the more likely you are to keep doing it. That\u2019s just human nature,\u201d Dr. Balar says. He adds, \u201cSimilarly, the better that something fits into your daily or weekly schedule, the more likely it is to maintain a place in that schedule rather than getting nudged out by other demands.\u201dRemember that slow and steady wins the race \u2013 and that you deserve a little grace. \u201cModeration is the rule when starting a physical activity regimen,\u201d Dr. Abdo-Matkiwsky notes. She adds that this means beginning at a modest level and gradually increasing the intensity and frequency of exercise as you go, listening to your body along the way. The oncologist emphasizes that not advancing as quickly as you would like, or missing a few days, isn\u2019t cause for discouragement or throwing in the towel. \u201cIt\u2019s important to maintain perspective. You aren\u2019t trying out for an NFL team or the Navy Seals. You are taking steps to improve your health and quality of life, and you\u2019re doing so while being treated for cancer or after having completed treatment. You deserve credit for what you\u2019re doing. Believe me when I say that your doctors and nurses give you all the credit in the world for that effort, and you should give yourself some credit, and some compassion, too. If you had a bad day or week, so be it. Start again tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0Find Expert Cancer Care Near You in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., AreaDr. Abdo-Matkiwsky and Dr. Balar are among 90+ medical oncologists and hematologists who practice with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists. RCCA has more than 20 locations near you across New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D,C., area. RCCA\u2019s cancer specialists see more than 30,000 new patients each year and provide care to more than 265,000 established patients, collaborating closely with those patients\u2019 other physicians. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, as well as access to approximately 300\u00a0clinical trials. In addition to serving patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers, and benign blood disorders, RCCA care centers also provide\u00a0infusion services to people with a number of non-oncologic conditions\u2014including\u00a0multiple sclerosis,\u00a0Crohn\u2019s disease,\u00a0asthma, iron-deficiency anemia, and\u00a0rheumatoid arthritis\u2014who take intravenously-administered medications.To learn more, call 844-346-7222 or contact RCCA.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tReferencesAmerican Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Nutrition and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors. October 22, 2025.American College of Sports Medicine. Physical activity guidelines for cancer. November 25, 2019. Available at https:\/\/acsm.org\/physical-activity-guidelines-cancer-infographic\/. Accessed July 26, 2026.American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Trajkovski M, Winters-Stone K. New exercise guidelines for older cancer survivors: meeting the needs of a rapidly growing population. June 26, 2026. Available at https:\/\/acsm.org\/new-exercise-guidelines-for-older-cancer-survivors\/. Accessed July 26, 2026.Benke IN, Leitzmann MF, Behrens G, Schmid D. Physical activity in relation to risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Oncol. 2018;29:1154-1179.Chen X, Li J, Chen C, et al. Effects of exercise interventions on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life among cancer patients: a meta-analysis. BMC Nurs.\u00a02023;22:200 https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12912-023-01363-0.Courneya KS, Vardi JL, O\u2019Callaghan CJ, et al. Structured exercise after adjuvant therapy for colon cancer. N Engl J Med. 2025;393(1):13-25.Fari G, Fai A, Quarta F, et al. The effects of physical exercise on depression in cancer patients: a systematic review. Clin. Pract. 2025;15,180. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/clinpract15100180.Kim YW, Kwak KI, Choi A-R, et al. Association of pre-and postdiagnosis physical activity, promotion and maintenance with lung cancer survival: a nationwide cohort study. J Cachexia, Sarcopenia Muscle. 2025; 16:e70092. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/jcsm.70092.National Comprehensive Cancer Network.\u00ae NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. (NCCN Guidelines.\u00ae) Survivorship. Version 3.2026. July 22, 2026.Wilson OWA, Matthews CE, Wojcik KM, et al. The effects of post-diagnosis recreational aerobic exercise among breast cancer survivors: a systematic review\/meta-analysis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarker Prevent 2025;34:1252-63.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tResources on Exercise for Cancer SurvivorsAmerican Cancer Society: Physical Activity When You Have Cancer. American College of Sports Medicine: Moving Through Cancer.American College of Sports Medicine: Trajkovski M, Winters-Stone K. New exercise guidelines for older cancer survivors: meeting the needs of a rapidly growing population. June 26, 2026. National Comprehensive Cancer Network\u00ae (NCCN): NCCN Guidelines for Patients.\u00ae  Survivorship Care for Healthy Living. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors: RCCA Oncologists Highlight 6 Key Points for Primary Care Clinicians\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today. And with approximately 320,000 new cases diagnosed each year and 5-year\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2 RCCA Oncologists Tell How Immunotherapies Are Increasing Survival in Advanced Melanoma\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tImmunotherapies and other treatment advances have more than doubled the survival rate for advanced melanoma over the past 20 years, according to two board-certified medical\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow Is Hodgkin Lymphoma Different from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, you may be wondering how these blood cancers differ. They\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How Cancer Patients Can Enlist Exercise in Their Fight for Well-Being: Insights from 2 RCCA Oncologists\u2028","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/exercise-and-cancer\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]