Breast cancerCancerFitness & exercisePain management

5 workouts for breast cancer survivors

These gentle workouts can help ease pain, fatigue, stress, and weight gain.

Jan, 2026
LearnOncologyBreast cancer5 workouts for breast cancer survivors
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Yoga
Jogging or walking
Hiking
Arm and shoulder workouts
Gentle weight lifting
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Exercise is an important part of staying healthy for everyone. But for breast cancer survivors, it can help to save lives. Studies suggest that survivors who exercise have less fatigue, pain, and stress, as well as fewer instances of breast cancer recurrence and lower rates of death from breast cancer.

Physical activity as you are able can help to clear your mind, improve your self-esteem, and feel like life is returning to usual after treatment for breast cancer.

Experts, like those at the American Cancer Society, recommend that cancer survivors get about 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking or dancing. But always talk to a healthcare provider (HCP) before you begin any new exercise plan. Here are five gentle exercises to help you get started.

Written byBeth Ward.
Medically reviewed byAmy Gonzales, MD.October, 2023
Sources: Nutrition and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors. CA Cancer J Clin. 2022 May;72(3):263-265. + 21
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  11. Zhang Q, Guo M, Chen T, et al. Walking and taking vitamin C alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation in overweight students, even in the short-term. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022;10.
  12. Casanovas-Álvarez A, Mur-Gimeno E, et al. Effects of Nordic Walking on Physical Fitness in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel). 2025 Sep 29;17(19):3170.
  13. Sánchez‐Lastra MA, Torres J, Martínez‐Lemos I, et al. Nordic walking for women with breast cancer: A systematic review. European Journal of Cancer Care. 2019;28(6).
  14. American Cancer Society. Exercises After Breast Cancer Surgery. Page last updated October 7, 2021.
  15. Wanchai A, Armer JM. Effects of weight-lifting or resistance exercise on breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Sciences. 2019;6(1):92-98.
  16. American College of Sports Medicine. Being Active When You Have Cancer. 2021
  17. Wang F, Szabo A. Effects of Yoga on Stress Among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2020;26(4).
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  22. Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Exercise and breast cancer. Accessed October 27, 2025.

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