Why Strength Training Matters During and After Cancer Treatment

Why Strength Training Matters During and After Cancer Treatment

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, and World Cancer Day falls on February 4. It’s an important time to talk about prevention, awareness, and care — but also about something that often receives far less attention: muscle loss during cancer treatment.

For many people diagnosed with cancer, changes in strength and muscle mass affect more than physical appearance. Muscle loss can influence energy levels, mobility, independence, and overall quality of life during and after treatment.

Understanding Muscle Loss During Cancer

Severe muscle and weight loss during cancer treatment is known as cancer cachexia. This condition can make everyday tasks more difficult and may affect how well someone tolerates treatment.

Researchers estimate that cancer-related muscle loss contributes to a significant number of cancer-related deaths. While cachexia is complex and not fully understood, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: maintaining muscle matters.

What the Research Is Telling Us

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, muscle loss during cancer treatment is common. As a result, researchers are studying how movement — especially strength-focused exercise — may help preserve muscle and function.

One such researcher, Dr. Michael De Lisio, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, studies why muscle breaks down during cancer and how exercise may help slow that process.

“Maintaining muscle plays an important role in cancer survival,” De Lisio explains. While there is still much to learn, emerging research suggests that exercise may help support healthier muscle function during treatment.

Importantly, this does not mean intense workouts or pushing through exhaustion. It means appropriate, individualized movement designed to support the body during a challenging time.

Why Strength Matters — At Any Stage of Life

Strength training isn’t just about lifting weights. For older adults, it’s about maintaining the ability to stand up from a chair, walk confidently, carry groceries, and recover from setbacks — whether related to illness, surgery, or everyday life.

At Fitness Options Personal Training Studio, we focus on functional fitness and strength training that supports health, mobility, and independence. Our experienced trainers work with clients across a wide range of abilities and health histories, including those navigating medical challenges. Learn more about our approach to personal training.

A Thoughtful, Supportive Approach to Movement

Exercise during or after cancer treatment should always be guided by medical advice and tailored to the individual. When done thoughtfully, strength training may help people feel more capable, stable, and confident in their bodies.

Many clients also find that recovery-focused services, such as massage therapy, support relaxation, circulation, and comfort alongside gentle training.

Movement should support your health — not overwhelm it.

Strength Is About Supporting the Life You Want to Live

Whether you’re focused on prevention, navigating treatment, or rebuilding strength afterward, maintaining muscle plays a meaningful role in overall wellbeing.

Exercise should meet you where you are, respect your energy, and support you at every stage of life. And you never have to navigate that alone.