We are undefeatable
Darlaine's story
Watch Darlaine's story about how she began swimming after her breast cancer diagnosis
However you get moving, it all makes a difference
A cancer diagnosis can make things feel very uncertain. Doing something for yourself, like becoming more active, can help you feel more in control.
Taking part in physical activity before, during and after treatment can improve your quality of life. Even light exercise can reduce tiredness, anxiety and depression, and help strengthen your muscles, joints and bones.
If you haven’t been active before or if you feel nervous about starting, we have some tips to get you started.
You can also talk to your doctor, physiotherapist, cancer exercise specialist or an occupational therapist.
It's all about finding a way to move that works for you
We've partnered with leading charities and Sport England on a new campaign to help people living with cancer, and other long-term health conditions, to become or stay physically active.
The We Are Undefeatable campaign supports and encourages people to build physical activity into their lives and to celebrate every little victory.
Getting active can mean different things for different people, it’s important you find something that works for you. We have a wide range of activities for you to explore and help you get started.
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Keeping active at home
If you prefer to work out at home, we have selected some great resources online to get you started and help find what works for you:
- Watch dedicated We Are Undefeatable exercise videos for people living with long-term conditions for every ability level from beginners to advanced level for people living with long-term conditions.
- Visit the NHS website for a wide range of free fitness exercise videos.
- Stay active with our Move More online exercise programme. Watch our videos to help get you started.
- Try Five in Five, a completely customisable mini workout from We Are Undefeatable.
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Physical activity and cancer
There are many ways to be physically active. It can mean doing simple daily activities, such as housework or walking to the shops. Or it can mean more energetic activities, such as gardening, dancing, running or cycling.
Many people say physical activity helps them feel more like they did before cancer, but you may need to be careful with the activities you choose. This will depend on your type of cancer, as well as your treatment, its side effects and any other medical conditions you might have.
We have information about physical activity and cancer. -
How can we help?
If you haven’t been active before or for a long time, or if you feel nervous about starting physical activity, it can help to get advice.
You can talk to your doctor, a physiotherapist or cancer exercise specialist, or an occupational therapist. You could also ask your doctor about any exercise referral schemes in your area.
These are some tips to help you get started.