Movement is Medicine for Survivorship
If you’re a cancer survivor, movement isn’t just helpful—it’s vital. Both the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) now recommend that cancer survivors follow the same physical activity guidelines as the general population:
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week (like brisk walking or yoga), or
- 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity
- Plus, 2 or more strength training sessions each week
These aren’t temporary goals—they’re lifelong recommendations for supporting recovery, preventing recurrence, and improving overall health.
But not all movement is appropriate or safe for people affected by cancer. That’s where Oncology Yoga comes in.
What Is Oncology Yoga?
Oncology Yoga is a therapeutic approach to movement designed specifically for cancer patients and survivors. It adapts yoga postures, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques to meet the unique needs and risks of cancer care—whether someone is in active treatment, recovery, or long-term survivorship.
Unlike generic yoga classes, Oncology Yoga:
- Helps survivors safely meet the ACS/AICR movement guidelines
- Reduces cancer-related fatigue and improves sleep and mood
- Builds strength, balance, and endurance
- Supports the lymphatic and immune systems
- Improves digestion, mobility, and mental clarity
- Encourages long-term adherence to physical activity
✅ Oncology Yoga meets survivors where they are, while guiding them toward where they need to go.
Reducing Risks, Supporting Recovery
Cancer and its treatments can come with serious side effects—many of which make movement challenging. These include:
- Bone loss and fracture risk
- Neuropathy and balance issues
- Constipation and digestive problems
- Fatigue, pain, and brain fog
- Lymphedema risk
- Cardiovascular strain
Oncology Yoga helps mitigate these risks. Through carefully adapted sequences, survivors learn how to move safely while building capacity over time. For example:
- Yoga for bone health avoids risky forward folds and supports bone density through weight-bearing poses
- Gentle twists, breathing practices, and abdominal massage can help relieve constipation
- Lymphatic breathing and dynamic movement reduce swelling and promote circulation
These practices make it more likely that survivors can complete treatment protocols, experience fewer complications, and return to life with strength and confidence.
Backed by Research
Multiple studies confirm that yoga offers physical and psychological benefits to people with cancer:
- A study in Journal of Clinical Oncology found a 33% reduction in fatigue among breast cancer survivors practicing yoga
- Research in Psychoneuroendocrinology showed yoga lowers inflammation and improves immune response
- A meta-analysis in Cancer confirmed improvements in strength, flexibility, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life
📚 Oncology Yoga is evidence-informed, with practices rooted in clinical research and oncology knowledge.
Not All Yoga Is the Same—Choose Wisely
Yoga is not one-size-fits-all—especially for cancer survivors. Certain yoga styles or instructors may:
- Push the body too hard or too fast
- Include risky movements for those with bone loss or neuropathy
- Lack awareness of common cancer side effects
- Ignore emotional or trauma-informed needs
We recommend seeking out instructors trained in Oncology Yoga or cancer-specific movement programs. These professionals understand:
- How to adapt poses for different treatments and stages of recovery
- What movements are safe (and what to avoid) for specific diagnoses
- How to create a supportive, inclusive, and healing environment
Reaching the Guidelines—One Pose at a Time
A well-designed Oncology Yoga class can help survivors meet weekly movement goals:
| What You Do | What It Counts For |
|---|---|
| Breath-linked sequences | Moderate aerobic activity |
| Standing & weight-bearing poses | Strength training |
| Dynamic movement | Cardiovascular and balance support |
| Relaxation and breathwork | Nervous system regulation |
Even just 2–3 classes a week can meet or exceed the 150-minute weekly recommendation for moderate activity.
Conclusion: A Prescription for Lifelong Health
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools a survivor has. Oncology Yoga helps make that tool safe, sustainable, and healing.
It helps manage side effects, reduce recurrence risk, improve long-term health, and foster physical and emotional resilience.
🌿 Movement is not just about surviving cancer—it’s about thriving beyond it.
Oncology Yoga is a lifelong companion on that journey.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re a yoga professional, cancer survivor, or healthcare provider:
👉 Take a free Oncology Yoga Class
👉 Explore our Oncology Yoga Certification Program
👉 Find an Oncology Yoga teacher near you
Sources
- Schmitz, K.H. et al. (2019). CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians
- Bower, J.E. et al. (2012). Journal of Clinical Oncology
- Kiecolt-Glaser, J.K. et al. (2014). Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Loudon, A. et al. (2014). Rehabilitation Oncology
- Lin, K.Y. et al. (2015). Cancer
- Rock, C.L. et al. (2022). CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians