Moving with advanced cancer

Move your way, at your pace

Explore resources, tips and advice to help you get active when living with advanced cancer

What is advanced cancer?

Advanced cancer is cancer that has spread or come back. It is usually used to describe cancer that cannot be cured. It is often called metastatic or secondary cancer and for some cancer types it may also be described as stage 4 cancer.

Physical activity and advanced cancer

Staying physically active is safe for people living with advanced cancer, and offers many of the same benefits it would for anyone else, including stronger bones, a lift in mood and better overall fitness. It’s important to pay attention to how your body is responding and take things at a pace that’s right for you. Please seek medical advice before embarking on your movement journey.

Who is this page for

This tailored collection of resources aims to help you explore what physical activity for people living with advanced cancer can look like, where to go for support and how to find the activity that is right for you.

Before you start

Living with advanced cancer can impact everyone differently. You may experience fatigue, pain, breathlessness, reduced strength or mobility, changes in balance or other symptoms related to your cancer or its treatment.

As with any movement please listen to your body and take things at your own pace, rest when you need to and choose easier options or modifications if something feels too much.

If you have bone metastases, significant or unusual fatigue, new or worsening symptoms or you are unsure whether movement is right for you, please speak to your oncologist, CNS or oncology specialist physiotherapist before starting or changing your activity levels.

If you feel unwell, dizzy or experience pain while being active, stop and seek advice from your healthcare team.

Start here — activity at the right pace for you

Low activity Getting started

Hear from Carole about living with advanced cancer and how she took her first steps back into movement. Learn what can help you begin at your own pace.

See these resources

Medium activity Moving more

Watch how Kerry has adapted the movement she does to accommodate her changing body and fatigue levels. Hear how confidence and energy can grow as you learn to focus on what you can still do.

See these resources

High activity Living actively

Meet Kevin who is living with advanced cancer yet physical activity is still a big part of his life. Hear how being really active can help you feel strong, capable and more like yourself again.

See these resources