Exercise as Medicine

Exercise as Medicine: An Update on Cancer Care and Physical Activity (2025)

In 2019, a landmark international roundtable hosted by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) solidified the role of exercise in cancer care, introducing the concept of a systematic “exercise prescription.” Since then, this idea has only grown in strength, with new research and resources making it easier than ever to integrate physical activity into cancer treatment and survivorship.

This article, “Exercise as Medicine: An Update on Cancer Care and Physical Activity (2025),” outlines the latest recommendations and highlights the powerful, evidence-based benefits of exercise for people with cancer.

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The Evolving Consensus: A New Standard of Care

The 2019 consensus statement from the ACSM, supported by leading organizations like the American Cancer Society (ACS), established that exercise is not just a beneficial add-on—it is a vital component of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan. Experts now recommend that healthcare providers formally prescribe exercise to help patients manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

This has led to the development of new, practical tools. The ACSM’s “Moving Through Cancer” program now features an enhanced directory and a new triage tool, the EXCEEDS algorithm, which helps match patients with the most appropriate exercise program based on their individual needs, functional ability, and goals.

The Proven Benefits of an Exercise Prescription

The evidence is clear: exercise is a powerful intervention for those with cancer. The latest research and guidelines confirm that a tailored exercise program can:

• Combat Cancer-Related Fatigue: One of the most common side effects of treatment, fatigue can be significantly reduced with regular, guided physical activity.
• Improve Physical Function: Exercise helps maintain muscle mass and strength, improving the ability to perform daily activities.
• Boost Mental Health: Regular physical activity is shown to decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms, leading to an improved sense of well-being.
• Support Survivorship: Exercise has been found to improve survival rates after a diagnosis of breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
• Manage Side Effects: It does not exacerbate lymphedema, and can help to manage other side effects, such as a decrease in bone density.

The New Recommendations in Practice

The ACSM’s recommendations emphasize a systematic, personalized approach. An “exercise prescription” should be designed by qualified healthcare and fitness professionals to meet the unique needs and abilities of each individual. It should include a combination of:

• Aerobic Exercise: Such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, which improves cardiovascular health.
• Resistance Training: Using body weight, resistance bands, or light weights to build and maintain muscle strength.

The key is to start slow and listen to your body, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of the activity over time. With the support of experts and the growing number of dedicated programs, it is now easier than ever to incorporate this powerful therapy into your life.