Many childhood cancer survivors are not engaging in physical activity levels at the recommended requirements for many reasons including fatigue, pain, and limitations in physical functioning. Regular daily exercise is very important for survivors’ daily routine and helps you maintain overall health. It helps your heart work efficiently, helps your muscles and bones stay stronger, and keeps your brain more alert. It can also reduce depression. Briskly walking for 30 minutes a day can make remarkable changes in your health (Figure 5-1).

If you are at risk for heart problems or have physical limitations, exercise can make a big difference in your long-term health. Including physical activities into your life can help you stay healthier as well as feel better. One way to start exercising more is to use a pedometer or Fitbit tracker (devices that you strap on your leg, wrist, waistband, or access on a smartphone that measure distance you walk/jog/swim each day). This is a way to track how many steps you take every day; then you can set reasonable goals to increase the number of steps each day. Before starting an exercise program, check with a healthcare provider experienced in follow-up for survivors of childhood cancer.

FIGURE 5-1. Health benefits of physical activity for children. Source: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/health-benefits/children.html

An infographic titled “Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Children” with a gray silhouette of a child in the center and seven labeled benefits arranged around it, each with an icon and descriptive text. At the top, a banner highlights the main title. On the left side, benefits include Academic Performance (represented by a lightbulb icon, stating “Improves attention and memory”), Muscular Fitness (dumbbell icon, “Builds strong muscles and endurance”), Cardiometabolic Health (heart icon, “Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels”), and Bone Strength (bone icon, “Strengthens bones”). On the right side, benefits include Brain Health (brain icon, “Reduces risk of depression”), Heart and Lung Health (heartbeat icon, “Improves blood pressure and aerobic fitness”), Long-term Health (calendar icon, “Reduces risk of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and obesity”), and Healthy Weight (scale icon, “Helps regulate body weight and reduce body fat”). At the bottom, the source is cited as the Physical Activity Guide for Americans, 2nd edition, with a CDC logo and the phrase “Active People, Healthy Nation,” dated October 2021.

When choosing exercises, choose ones you enjoy. You are much more likely to stick with something fun. Exercising with a friend also helps make the time pass quickly and more enjoyable.

* The use/publication of figures/images in this book taken from the CDC website does not indicate endorsement or accuracy of content presented in this book by the CDC or US government. These images are considered in public domain and can be used for educational purposes in electronic and print media. Click the links below images which directs you to specific CDC webpages for more information.