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Exercise Classes and Consults for Cancer Patients and Survivors

  • people doing exercise in Zakim Center
  • Dana-Farber's exercise physiologist Nancy Campbell offers exercise consults to cancer patients and survivors.Dana-Farber's exercise physiologist Nancy Campbell offers exercise consults to cancer patients and survivors.

    Exercise holds benefits for everyone, and a growing number of studies show that cancer patients in particular can gain valuable benefits from regular exercise. Research shows that regular exercise interspersed with periods of rest can help:

    • strengthen muscles and bones
    • reduce the risk of cancer recurrence
    • improve sleep patterns
    • help maintain a healthy weight
    • reduce fatigue and raise energy levels
    • improve mood and reduce anxiety

    Studies also suggest that cancer survivors who exercise regularly may feel better, have less fatigue, and experience fewer symptoms after treatment compared to those who do not get regular exercise.

    Through Dana-Farber’s Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, exercise physiologist Nancy Campbell, MS, offers two no-cost options for patients and survivors looking to start an exercise program or modify an existing routine.

    Exercise Consults

    Cancer patients and survivors can meet with Dana-Farber's exercise physiologist Nancy Campbell, who can answer fitness-related questions and provide personalized exercise tips. Consults are available for men or women with any cancer diagnosis. To schedule an appointment for an exercise consult, call the Zakim Center at 617-632-3322.

    Read our Insight blog for information and inspiration about the benefits of exercise classes at Dana-Farber.


  • In this video, Jennifer Ligibel, MD, describes the benefits of exercise for survivors and explains some issues to be aware of before starting an exercise program.

  • More resources

    Exercise during and after cancer treatment

    Our exercise physiologist shares answers to some common questions about starting or continuing a fitness plan during and after cancer treatment.

    Nutrition Services

    Our nutrition experts help patients follow a healthy diet during and after cancer treatment. They base their advice on scientifically sound nutrition research.