Walking and cancer 

Getting active with cancer 

Getting active is good for everyone, and it’s proven to be especially beneficial for people living with cancer.  Yet the positive effects of walking go further than your physical health to boost your wellbeing and help you feel more in control throughout treatment and beyond.  

Is it safe to walk with a cancer diagnosis? 

Walking during and after most types of cancer treatment is safe. In fact, healthcare professionals encourage people living with cancer to reduce the time they spend resting or sitting during treatment to help prevent blood clots, minimise muscle wasting and boost mood. And walking is one of the easiest, safest ways to get more active. While walking is safe in most circumstances, please do speak to your healthcare provider before getting started, to be sure it’s right for you. 

Cancer and the benefits of walking  

Cancer comes with all sorts of emotions and sometimes it’s difficult to remember who you were before the diagnosis. But walking can help you feel like your old self again, especially when you’re in good company. There are plenty of physical health benefits too. Walking, no matter how far or fast, helps reduce lymphoedema and fatigue. It strengthens bones and heart, reduces body fat and boosts wellbeing. In some cases it can help reduce the risk of cancer progressing or recurring too.  

Getting started with walking when you’re living with cancer 

It’s best to take things slow to begin with. Short walks, with plenty of breaks and at a comfortable pace are perfect. As you feel more confident, you can walk for longer or at a brisker pace. Setting realistic goals can spur you on and achieving them can help you take back some control. Just be sure to always listen to your body. 

Take your first steps to being more active, with confidence  

If you are new to walking, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are ideal for getting started with walking and staying active, especially when you’re living with a health condition. Support from trained walk leaders helps you take those first steps towards being more active. And you’ll be amongst a friendly bunch all walking for their own reasons - whether to ward off illness, manage health conditions or boost wellbeing.  

Find your local Ramblers Wellbeing Walk. 

You can find out more about the benefits of getting active during and after cancer treatment by visiting Macmillan Cancer Support.