Expert Advice on Recovery
Marie Murphy, former Irish Olympian and consultant exercise specialist, has conducted extensive research into the effects of exercise during and after bowel cancer treatment. Research shows that exercise helps boost immunity, aids recovery, and reduces the chance of recurrence.
“The most important thing is to stay active both during and after treatment, within the ability of the individual and how they are feeling.” — Marie Murphy
Exercise is a powerful tool to counteract the fatigue most patients feel. While it may be the last thing on your mind during side effects, staying sedentary can make the recovery cycle harder to break.
How to be active during bowel cancer treatment
Most patients experience a loss of energy, but gentle movement can help break the cycle of fatigue. Focus on these steps:
- Start Small: Engage in low-intensity exercise, such as a slow walk around the block.
- Timing is Everything: Be active during the window of the day when you feel your absolute best, even if only for 5 minutes.
- Safety First: Avoid vigorous exercise when your blood count is low or if you are at an increased risk of infection.
How to stay active after bowel cancer treatment
Once treatment concludes, the goal shifts toward long-term health and reducing the risk of recurrence.
- The 2.5 Hour Goal: Aim to build up to 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity per week.
- Pace Matters: If your pace is slower, you may need to increase your total time to reap the same protective rewards.
- Listen to Your Body: Light-to-moderate exercise may feel much more intense following treatment. Progress slowly.
Research Note: For those with average fitness, adding just one extra hour above the recommended 2.5 hours per week was shown to reduce cancer recurrence by a further 6%.
Gradual Build-Up Guide
Marie Murphy recommends staying at the same level for three weeks before increasing your activity. Use this table as a general guide:
| Phase | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–3 | 5 Minutes | Once a day |
| Weeks 4–6 | 5 Minutes | Twice a day |
| Weeks 7+ | 10+ Minutes | Building toward 30 mins daily |
Important: Always talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program to ensure the activities are safe for your specific symptoms and treatment stage.
