Is Tennis Safe for People with Cancer?

Tennis can often be safely included in an exercise plan during or after cancer treatment, with the right precautions and individualized adjustments. Many cancer programs recommend starting with lower‑intensity activities like doubles tennis and progressing as tolerated. ^{[1] [2]} Regular physical activity is generally encouraged for most people with cancer to reduce fatigue, improve mood, and support overall function. A common target is at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, plus strength training twice weekly, tailored to your condition. ^[3]

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Key Takeaway

• Doubles tennis is typically considered a moderate‑intensity, safer starting option because it involves less running and impact than singles. ^{[1] [2]}
• Singles tennis may be appropriate for some, especially after recovery or if your treatment side effects are well controlled, but it requires more stamina and joint stress. ^[2]

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Benefits of Playing Tennis

• Cardiovascular fitness and endurance improve with regular play, helping counter treatment‑related fatigue. ^[3]
• Mood and stress relief from enjoyable, social activity can support mental health and resilience. ^[3]
• Balance, coordination, and flexibility gains may reduce fall risk and enhance daily function. ^[3]

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Who Should Favor Doubles vs Singles

• Doubles tennis (safer start): If you’re currently in treatment, rebuilding fitness, or managing side effects like fatigue, neuropathy (numbness/tingling), or anemia (low red blood cells). ^[1]
• Singles tennis (higher demand): If you have good stamina, no significant balance or neuropathy issues, and your care team agrees your condition allows higher‑intensity play. ^[2]

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Essential Precautions

1) Check With Your Care Team

• Confirm blood counts (especially white cells and platelets) and anemia status before higher‑intensity activity to reduce infection and bleeding risks. ^{[4] [5]}

2) Infection Safety

• During periods when your white blood cells are lowest (neutropenia), infection risk is highest often 7–12 days after chemotherapy. Consider lighter, outdoor play with distancing, or rest during that window. ^{[6] [5]}
• Practice strict hand hygiene, avoid crowds when immunosuppressed, and consider masking in busy indoor facilities. ^{[4] [6]}

3) Bone Health and Metastases

• If you have bone metastases or osteoporosis, reduce impact and torsion: prefer doubles, avoid sudden pivots, jumping, and high‑speed sprints. Pain with weight bearing can signal fracture risk stop and seek medical advice. ^[7]
• Discuss imaging and bone‑protective strategies with your oncologist if you have cancer types associated with bone loss or spread. ^[8]

4) Lymphedema Care (especially after breast or pelvic surgery)

• Start low and progress gradually; use compression garments if prescribed, and monitor for swelling. ^{[9] [10]}

5) Neuropathy or Balance Issues

• Choose stable footwear, play on well‑maintained courts, and slow footwork drills to prevent falls. ^[9]

6) Anemia and Fatigue

• Scale intensity to how you feel; take frequent breaks and hydrate well to avoid overexertion. ^[9]

7) Heat, Hydration, and Recovery

• Avoid extreme heat, drink fluids regularly, and prioritize rest days to support recovery during treatment. ^[4]

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How to Start Safely

• Begin with 15–30 minutes of doubles tennis, focusing on gentle rallies and footwork, 2–3 times per week, and increase time as tolerated. ^[1]
• Combine tennis with walking, cycling, or water aerobics on non‑tennis days to reach weekly activity goals while managing impact. ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Add light strength training twice weekly (e.g., bands or bodyweight), which supports joint stability and performance. ^[3]

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When to Pause or Modify

• Fever, chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, new or worsening bone pain, dizziness, or uncontrolled fatigue warrant stopping and contacting your care team. ^{[4] [7]}
• During the highest‑risk infection window after chemotherapy, consider home‑based or outdoor, distanced activities rather than public indoor courts. ^{[6] [5]}

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Sample Tennis Progression Plan

• Weeks 1–2: Doubles rallies, 15–30 minutes, low running, emphasize technique and consistency. ^[1]
• Weeks 3–4: Extend to 30–45 minutes, add gentle movement drills; monitor symptoms. ^{[1] [3]}
• Weeks 5+: Consider light singles sets if fatigue is mild and counts are stable; keep rest breaks and hydrate well. ^{[2] [3]}

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Quick Comparison: Doubles vs Singles

Aspect	Doubles Tennis	Singles Tennis
Intensity	Moderate, lower running load [1]	Higher, more sprinting and pivots [2]
Best For	In‑treatment, rebuilding fitness, balance concerns [1]	Post‑treatment or higher fitness with medical clearance [2]
Bone/Joint Stress	Lower impact and torsion [1]	Higher impact; caution with bone metastases [7]
Infection Exposure	Similar; prefer outdoor or less crowded venues when immunosuppressed [6]	Similar; indoor crowded courts less ideal during neutropenia [6]

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Bottom Line

With thoughtful adjustments, tennis can be a safe, enjoyable part of cancer recovery, especially starting with doubles and progressing gradually according to your energy, blood counts, bone health, and your care team’s guidance. ^{[1] [2]} Aim to stay active while avoiding inactivity, using tennis alongside walking, cycling, water aerobics, and strength training for a balanced plan. ^[3]

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