Is Walking Safe for People with Breast Cancer? Precautions and Best Practices

Walking is generally considered safe for most people during and after breast cancer treatment, and it can offer meaningful benefits like reducing fatigue, improving energy, and supporting heart and lung health. ^[1] Walking and other gentle exercises are commonly recommended as part of recovery, and you can start slowly and build up as you feel ready. ^[2] Regular physical activity is associated with better quality of life and lower overall health risks for cancer survivors, with walking being an easy, accessible option. ^[3]

Key Benefits of Walking

• Helps fight fatigue and boosts energy: Light activity such as walking has been shown to reduce cancer-related fatigue and help people tolerate treatments better. ^[4] Walking programs, even home-based, can lessen fatigue during chemotherapy and support recovery. [PM24]
• Supports cardiovascular and lung health: Aerobic exercise (like walking) strengthens the heart and lungs and improves how your body uses oxygen. ^[5]
• Improves mood, sleep, and overall well-being: Gentle exercise a few times a week such as walking can help stress management and quality of life. ^[6]
• Promotes healthy weight and fitness: Staying active can prevent unwanted weight gain and improve fitness during treatment. ^[1]
• Fits survivorship guidelines: Many survivors aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly; walking can be a practical way to reach this. ^[3]

When to Start and How Much

• Start small and build gradually: You might begin with 10 minutes a day and increase time or frequency based on comfort. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. ^[2]
• Aim for consistency: Over time, many people work toward 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, adjusting for symptoms and treatment schedules. ^[3]
• Use “good days” wisely: Plan walks when your energy is higher and rest when fatigue peaks; shorter, regular bouts often work well. ^[4]

Important Precautions

Lymphedema Awareness

• Progress activity slowly on the affected arm side if you’ve had lymph node surgery or radiation, and stop if you feel discomfort exercise should not cause pain. ^[7]
• Consider light arm compression if advised by your care team; some women use sleeves during activity after surgery, although recommendations should be individualized. [PM17]
• Protect the arm/hand on the affected side: avoid skin breaks, and if you get a cut, clean and watch for signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling). ^[7]

Bone Health and Balance

• Use caution if cancer has spread to bone or if you have osteoporosis: choose low-impact walking on even surfaces and avoid high-impact or fall-risk environments; discuss with your clinician for tailored guidance. ^[8]
• If you have numbness (peripheral neuropathy) or balance issues, walk with supportive shoes, consider walking poles, and pick well-lit, flat paths to reduce fall risk. ^[8]

Blood Counts and Treatment Side Effects

• On days of very low blood counts or active infection, it may be safer to reduce intensity or rest, resuming walking as counts recover and symptoms improve. ^[8]
• Hydration and temperature: stay well hydrated and avoid extreme heat or cold, which can worsen fatigue or stress the heart and lungs during treatment. ^[4]

How to Walk Safely

Step-by-Step Plan

• Warm-up and cool-down: 5 minutes of gentle pace before and after helps your body adjust and reduces stiffness. ^[2]
• Intensity check: Aim for a pace where you can talk but not sing; this is typically “moderate” intensity and is often well tolerated. ^[3]
• Pace by symptoms: If fatigue or treatment side effects flare, shorten the walk or split into multiple brief sessions. ^[2]

Practical Tips

• Comfortable footwear and clothing: Choose supportive shoes and breathable layers to prevent blisters and overheating. ^[8]
• Use a step counter or simple log: Tracking minutes or steps can motivate and help you progress safely; pedometer-based programs have improved fatigue and quality of life during chemotherapy. [PM28]
• Make it enjoyable: Walk with a friend, in nature, or with music to boost adherence and mood. ^[1]

Special Situations

After Surgery or Radiation

• Begin gently and increase slowly to allow healing; add range-of-motion and posture-friendly stretches as advised by your team. ^[7]
• Watch for swelling in the arm/chest and report persistent changes; adjust walking intensity if swelling appears and seek guidance. ^[7]

During Chemotherapy

• Light daily walking can help you get through treatments on time and may strengthen your immune system and overall fitness. ^[1]
• Plan around cycles: Many people feel best a few days before the next infusion use that window for slightly longer or more frequent walks. ^[4]

Survivorship Goals

• Work toward guideline levels: Accumulating 150 minutes/week at a comfortable pace supports long-term health and quality of life. ^[3]
• Low-intensity counts: Even lighter walking on more fatigued days still contributes to fitness and risk reduction. ^[9]

Red Flags: When to Pause and Call Your Care Team

• New or worsening arm swelling, heaviness, or tightness after activity. ^[7]
• Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, or near-falls during walks. ^[8]
• Fever, signs of infection, or open wounds on the arm/hand affected by surgery. ^[7]

Bottom Line

Walking is generally safe and beneficial during and after breast cancer treatment, especially when started gently and increased gradually. Focus on symptom-guided pacing, lymphedema precautions, and consistent, enjoyable activity to gain energy, fitness, and well-being. ^{[1] [2]} Align your walking routine with survivorship activity goals, and tailor it with your care team if you have specific risks like lymphedema, bone involvement, balance problems, or low blood counts. ^{[3] [8]}