Conditions · Cancer rehabilitation

Exercise as part of your cancer care

Q: Can exercise help cancer-related fatigue?

Yes. Research shows exercise helps reduce cancer-related fatigue, and it's often more helpful than rest alone. We start gently and build up at a pace you can manage.

Q: Do I need a referral from my oncologist?

No, but we'll ask for your treating team's details so we can get relevant information and keep them updated. For Medicare, you need a GP chronic condition management plan and referral.

Before, during and after treatment, the right exercise can help with fatigue, strength and quality of life. We work alongside your oncology team, adapting to your treatment and how you feel each day.

Book Your First Appointment → Call 0409 051 260

✓ All stages of treatment✓ Works with your oncology team✓ Telehealth available

Supportive exercise session at Beachside EP, Mordialloc

Cancer care Adapted to each day

Why it matters

Exercise is recommended as part of standard cancer care

Stages we support: before, during and after treatment

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Cancer-related fatigue, one of the side effects exercise most consistently helps

Daily

Sessions adapted to your treatment and how you feel on the day

Care team. We keep your oncologist and GP informed

The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia recommends exercise as part of standard care for people with cancer, prescribed by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist or physiotherapist with cancer experience (COSA position statement, 2018).

Exercise and cancer

Support at every stage

Exercise can help reduce fatigue, maintain muscle and fitness, support mood and manage some treatment side effects. It's part of your care, alongside your medical treatment.

Before treatment

Prehabilitation

Building strength and fitness before surgery or treatment starts. Being fitter going in may help you cope with treatment and recover. If you have a start date, now is a good time to begin.

During treatment

Adapting as you go

Exercise during chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatments can help with fatigue, muscle strength and mood. Some sessions are very gentle, and that's appropriate and valuable.

After treatment

Recovery and beyond

Fatigue, deconditioning, neuropathy, lymphoedema and emotional effects can last well after treatment. We help you rebuild strength, fitness and confidence, and support you long term.

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We work with your oncology team. We ask about your cancer, treatment, blood counts and any precautions before designing your program, and keep your oncologist, haematologist or GP updated.

Important

When to contact your treating team

Don't exercise, and contact your treating team or hospital straight away, if you have any of these. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

!A temperature of 38°C or higher, or chills, during chemotherapy

!New or worsening bone pain

!Chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or a swollen, painful leg

!Unusual bleeding or bruising, or feeling very unwell

What we do

A program adapted to your treatment and your goals

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Fatigue

Gentle, progressive aerobic and strength exercise, which research shows can help reduce cancer-related fatigue.

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Muscle and strength

Resistance training to help maintain muscle and strength during and after treatment.

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Fitness

Aerobic exercise to maintain fitness during treatment and rebuild it afterwards.

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Lymphoedema-aware

Exercise within current guidelines if you have, or are at risk of, lymphoedema.

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Neuropathy and balance

Balance and walking work if chemotherapy has affected the feeling in your feet.

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Bone health

Bone-loading exercise for people on hormone treatments for breast or prostate cancer, which can affect bone density.

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Wellbeing

Exercise can support mood and a sense of control at a time when a lot feels out of your hands.

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Your team in the loop

Reports to your oncologist and GP after reviews, and we'll contact them promptly if anything changes.

Who we see

Many cancer types, at every stage

Breast cancerProstate cancer, including hormone therapyBowel and other digestive cancersLymphoma and leukaemiaLung cancerGynaecological cancersHead and neck cancersBrain tumoursDuring chemotherapy or radiotherapyLong-term effects of treatment

Your program

What to expect from start to finish

Initial assessment

Your diagnosis, treatment, blood counts, side effects and current ability. Bring your treatment summary or oncologist letters if you have them.

A flexible program

Built around your treatment phase and schedule, and designed to flex with how you feel from week to week.

Adapting each session

We check in on your treatment and how you're feeling, and adjust the session to suit, without judgment.

Reviews and reports

Reports to your oncologist and GP, and your program changes as your treatment does.

Funding

Ways to fund your program

We'll confirm your out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment, so there are no surprises.

Medicare

GP chronic condition plan

If your GP is managing your care under a chronic condition plan and refers you, Medicare subsidises up to 5 allied health sessions a year.

How Medicare works →

Private health

Extras cover

Many extras policies include Exercise Physiology. Check your limits and rebate. No referral needed.

How private health works →

DVA

Veteran Card holders

Gold Card holders are covered for clinically necessary treatment, and White Card holders for accepted conditions. A GP referral is needed.

How DVA works →

My Aged Care

Support at Home and CHSP

Can fund Exercise Physiology when it's in your care plan. No participant contribution for allied health under Support at Home.

How aged care works →

Telehealth

From home

Helpful if you need to limit infection risk or are too tired to travel. Medicare rebates can apply with a GP plan.

How telehealth works →

Private

Book directly

No referral needed. Book online and pay our standard fees.

See our fees →

Common questions

Cancer rehabilitation FAQs

Is exercise safe during chemotherapy or radiotherapy?

For most people and most treatments, yes, with a program adjusted to your treatment and how you feel on the day. Some situations need extra care, such as very low blood counts, cancer that has spread to the bones, or recent surgery. That's why we ask about your treatment and check with your treating team when needed.

I'm exhausted. How can exercise help my fatigue?

It sounds backwards, but research shows exercise helps reduce cancer-related fatigue, and it's often more helpful than rest alone. Too much rest can lead to deconditioning, which makes everyday tasks feel harder. We start gently, exactly where you are, and build at a pace you can manage.

I have lymphoedema or neuropathy. Can I still exercise?

Usually, yes, with the right precautions. For lymphoedema, we follow current guidelines and build up gradually. For neuropathy, we focus on balance, strength and safe footwear to reduce your risk of falls.

Do I need a referral from my oncologist?

No. You can book directly. We'll ask for your treating team's details so we can get relevant information and send progress reports. For Medicare, you need a GP chronic condition management plan and referral.

Can I attend by telehealth?

Yes. Telehealth can help if you need to limit infection risk or are too tired to travel. Some early assessments are better in person, and we'll advise you on what suits you.

Get started

Exercise is part of your cancer care

Book your first appointment or call us. We'll meet you where you are and build something that works for your treatment and your life.

Book Your First Appointment → Call 0409 051 260

✓ We'll tell you honestly if we can't help ✓ We work with your oncology team ✓ Start with one session, no lock-in

Exercise supports, and doesn't replace, the medical treatment recommended by your oncology team. The information on this page is general. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

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