2 min read

Why exercise

Did you know that exercise is safe during cancer treatment and may help you live longer?

It’s true! Researchers show that regular exercise can help you to:

  • better tolerate cancer treatment
  • manage side effects like pain and fatigue
  • get back to doing the things that matter most to you
  • reduce risk of cancer recurrence

But starting or maintaining an exercise routine can be a challenge. Currently, less than 30% of people living with or beyond cancer in the United States exercise routinely.

How to get started

Did you know there are cancer-specialized support programs are available to you?

Many don’t! Led by compassionate and specialized clinical staff, these programs can help you to feel safe and confident exercising during and beyond treatment. From most- to least-specialized, types of programs that may be available to you in your community or online include rehabilitation (physical therapy, etc.), clinical exercise programs, exercise oncology programs, and general exercise programs. CLICK HERE to view our full directory of programs.

The mission of the Moving Through Cancer Taskforce is to make exercise as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Step 1: KNOW YOUR NEEDS

          “Should I talk to my doctor first?” | “Do I have side effects that need special care?”

          CLICK HERE to complete the EXCEEDS survey below to find out your exercise needs.

Step 2: FIND AND CONNECT WITH LOCAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS

          “What are the programs available in my area?” | “How do I pick the right one?”

           View the Cancer Exercise programs directory.

Step 3: EXERCISE SAFELY AND CONFIDENTLY

          CLICK HERE for a free, downloadable information booklet to help you get started.

          Your local program will assess your needs and work with you every step of the way to achieve your goals.

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GSSI Pre-Conference

The Physiology of Hydration: More Than Water Alone

This session explores the physiology of hydration through an integrated lens—examining how carbohydrate, sodium, flavor, and fluid interact to influence intake, absorption, retention, and performance. We’ll review current research on fluid balance, osmotic drivers, and palatability, highlighting mechanisms that underpin voluntary intake and thermoregulation. Attendees will gain insight into individualized strategies, including sweat profiling and timing approaches, to optimize euhydration and mitigate performance decrements associated with >2% body-mass loss. Practical applications will be linked to laboratory- and field-based research, ensuring translation from bench to field. This pre-conference equips you with evidence-based tools to support athlete hydration across diverse environments and sporting contexts. 

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  • Session 1: Sweating the detail: New insights on hydration considerations for athlete performance
    • Lewis James, PhD, Associate Professor in Human Nutrition in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University
  • Session 2: Functional ingredients in fluid replacement beverages for athletes
    • Lindsay Baker, PhD, Director at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute
  • Session 3: The hydration toolkit: Practical approaches to athlete support
    • Floris Wardenaar, PhD, Associate Professor at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University