Movement & Exercise for Bladder Cancer Patients

If you have been diagnosed with bladder cancer, staying active is an important part of your care, both before and after treatment. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests that people with cancer should try to do 150 minutes of moderate to hard aerobic exercise each week, plus two sessions of strength training. Moving more and sitting or lying down less can help improve your overall health and how you feel.

If you are getting ready for bladder cancer surgery (like radical cystectomy) or a treatment plan that includes chemotherapy, radiation, or trimodal therapy, exercise can help you recover better. Being active before surgery, which is called prehabilitation, can make your body stronger, lower stress, and help you heal faster. It may also shorten your hospital stay and lower the risk of some problems after surgery. After treatment, exercise can help you build your strength again, feel less tired, and enjoy life more.

We suggest that exercise plans be made to fit your personal health needs. Regular physical activity can help manage side effects like tiredness, muscle loss, weight changes, and changes in mood. It can really help improve your quality of life.

If you want to start an exercise program, our clinic offers one on one sessions with an Exercise Physiologist. The program starts with a group education session where you will learn about the benefits of being active and set your own goals. You will also have follow up visits at 3, 6, and 12 months to check your progress and update your plan.

For more information or to sign up for a session, please contact our program assistant.

Upcoming Session Dates

Click here for a list of upcoming sessions

As part of the ‘Lifestyle Management’ module of the Bladder Cancer Supportive Care (BCSC) Program, we offer regular information sessions covering the importance of exercise and how to reasonably increase activity levels. These sessions are for patients in all stages of the disease and all levels of fitness.

Module 3 Recording

If you are interested in attending a module, please contact the BCSC Program Assistant at 604-875-4241 or bcsc@vch.ca, or please complete the intake form via the link below.

Sign Up for a Module
CONTACT

Phone: 604-875-4241 | Phone (toll-free): 844-483-1449
Fax: 604-914-3003
Email: bcsc@vch.ca