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National Fitness Day

National Fitness Day on 20 September encourages people to focus on the importance physical activity has in contributing to a healthy lifestyle. It helps bring people together to break down the barriers there are to being more active by encouraging people to get involved with fitness events around the country.

Taking care of your fitness if you have cancer

After a cancer diagnosis, many people find that staying active and taking care of their fitness helps to give them back a sense of control. You may be wondering about good and safe ways to stay active. Here is some information to help you take care of your fitness.
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Eating well and keeping active

When it comes to being more active, it is important to do something you enjoy that also fits in with your life. Eating well will also help you keep up your strength, increase your energy levels and improve your sense of well-being.

 

Our advice about eating well and keeping active includes videos, podcasts and ideas to help you find the right activity and eating plan for you.

Someone in a green swimming cap swimming.
Types of physical activity
Becoming active for the first time or returning to activity during or after cancer is not always easy. There is not one activity that works for everyone, different people will enjoy different things. Our information about different types of physical activity will help you think about what you’re interested in doing and what you would enjoy the most.
Three people cycling on a country lane on a sunny day.
Being physically active after treatment

Being physically active after treatment is a positive step in your recovery. It may help you manage late effects of treatment. It may also reduce the risk of certain cancers coming back. We have more about the benefits of physical activity after treatment and guidance to help you decide how much activity is right for you.

Common questions about physical activity and cancer

If you have cancer, you may have questions about things like whether it is safe to exercise before, during or after treatment. You might also be wondering about different ways to keep fit, ways that don’t cost any money, and you can do alongside everything else you have going on.


Here we answer some of the common questions asked about cancer and physical activity.

Karen and Matt share their fitness stories

Karen - "I use exercise to help me mend my broken brain and body"

Karen's endometrial cancer diagnosis took a detrimental impact on her day to day life and wellbeing. It came at a time when she was dealing with other health issues and grieving. After talking to her Macmillan Buddy, Karen started making changes to her life to improve her wellbeing, pursuing exercise that worked for her. 


"It has become a medicine for me and given me sunshine and new hope. I go to the gym to exercise and to have coffee and a natter with others. I know I will never be 100% but I am not just a person with cancer. Exercise reminds me I have a purpose."

Read more of Karen's story

Matt - "I couldn't imagine not running, everyone knows me as a runner, it’s part of my identity"

At 28, Matt was shocked by his thyroid cancer diagnosis. Going through treatment was a life-changing process for him. He began to feel like a party of his identity was missing because before his cancer diagnosis he was an avid runner. As he went through treatment, Matt found companions and support through one of Macmillan's Cancer Support Centres. But, at the recovery stage, Matt couldn't ignore the benefits running bought him...


"I was in hospital for 5 to 6 days, then I put my feet up but 25 days later I ran a 5K. I don’t know how, don’t ask me! A week later I did a 10K, then the Great South Run which is 10 miles the next week... All for charity. It gave me that goal and something to focus on. It gave me that resilience that I won’t let this stop me."

Matt, a white male in running shorts and t shirt with a running medal.
Read more of Matt's story
Matt, a white male in running shorts and t shirt with a running medal.

Take on a fitness challenge for Macmillan

Thinking of taking on a fitness challenge? There are lots of different ways you can keep fit while also raising money to support people who are living with cancer.
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Organise your own event

If you're looking to take your fundraising to the next level why not organise your own fitness event? From group cycling adventures, to a solo dog-walking challenge, we've got all you need to get started.

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Sign up to an event

If you're after an enjoyable day out, there are plenty of  larger-scale events you can attend with friends or family. From running a marathon, to taking on a Tough Mudder, to jumping out of a plane in a tandem skydive, there are amazing events happening all over the country.

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40 days of fitness challenge

A 40-day fitness challenge can help you build both your fitness and fundraising total over the 40 days. We have a whole range of ideas to keep you moving and having fun every day.

Fundraising zone

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How we can help

Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. If you need to talk, we'll listen. 

 

Call us on 0808 808 00 00
8am to 8pm. It's free to call from landlines and mobiles within the UK.
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