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The Voice of People With Breast Cancer
Information
Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Daily Life
Exercise
Staying active has many benefits for people living with metastatic breast cancer (mBC).
Follow a structured exercise routine that may include aerobic, strength, and balance exercises. You may also consider adapted and supervised exercises that are safe and helpful for those living with mBC.
How Exercise Can Help
Exercise can:
- Boost your energy
- Improve your strength and fitness
- Support your mental health
- Support your heart, lungs, and muscles
- Ease treatment side effects like tiredness, pain, low mood, and stress
Even short, gentle sessions of movement can help.
Choosing the Right Activity for You
Your type of cancer and treatment can affect what types of movement are safe. For example, if the cancer has spread to your bones (bone metastases), your bones may be weaker or more likely to fracture. In this case, your care team may recommend gentle strength exercises but suggest avoiding high-impact activities like running or jumping.
Always talk with your doctor, a physiotherapist, or another healthcare provider before starting a new activity. They can help you build a plan that fits your needs and energy levels.
Different Types of Exercise
There are many ways to stay active. Choose what feels right for your body:
- Aerobic exercise like walking, swimming, or light biking can improve circulation and heart health
- Resistance training using light weights or bands helps maintain muscle strength
- Balance and flexibility exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi can improve stability and reduce stiffness
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends about 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week for adults. But what is right for you may be different depending on how you feel and what treatments you are receiving. Your healthcare team can help you create a plan that is safe and realistic.
Let them know if you notice any new symptoms during or after activity, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or pain.
Getting Started
Whether you were active before your diagnosis or not, it is never too late to begin. Starting small, even with light stretching or short walks, can improve your mood and physical well-being. Everyone’s experience is different, so go at your own pace and check in with your healthcare team.
» Related reading from Our Voices Blog:
- References
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American Cancer Society. (2022). Physical activity and the person with cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/be-healthy-after-treatment/physical-activity-and-the-cancer-patient.html
American Cancer Society. (2024). Top exercises that improve quality of life for people with metastatic breast cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/top-exercises-that-improve-quality-of-life-for-people-with-metastatic-breast-cancer.html
Cannioto, R. A., Hutson, A., Dighe, S., McCann, W., McCann, S. E., Zirpoli, G. R., Barlow, W., Kelly, K. M., DeNysschen, C. A., Hershman, D. L., Unger, J. M., Moore, H. C. F., Stewart, J. A., Isaacs, C., Hobday, T. J., Salim, M., Hortobagyi, G. N., Gralow, J. R., Albain, K. S., Budd, G. T., … Ambrosone, C. B. (2021). Physical activity before, during, and after chemotherapy for high-risk breast cancer: Relationships with survival. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 113(1), 54–63. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djaa046
DePolo, J. (2020). Exercise before and after breast cancer diagnosis improves survival, reduces recurrence risk. BreastCancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/exercise-improves-survival-and-reduces-risk
Government of Canada. (2018). Physical activity tips for adults (18–64 years). https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/physical-activity-tips-adults-18-64-years.html
Haider, Z. F., Beeken, R. J., Ayaz-Shah, A., Lloyd, K. E., & Smith, S. G. (2025). 'As important as medication'. A qualitative investigation of the beliefs, barriers and facilitators of physical activity for women with metastatic breast cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 34(6), e70193. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.70193
Hiensch, A. E., Depenbusch, J., Schmidt, M. E., Scharhag-Rosenberger, F., Hülsdünker, T., Schreiber, L. M., van Gemert, W. A. M., de Vries, J., Schüz, J., Wiskemann, J., & Steindorf, K. (2024). Supervised, structured and individualized exercise in metastatic breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Nature Medicine, 30, 2957–2966. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03143-y
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About CBCN
CBCN strives to voice the views and concerns of breast cancer patients through education, advocacy activities, and the promotion of information sharing.
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